If you’ve spent any time in Fargo lately, you know the vibe around the Fargodome has shifted just a little. It’s not a panic—Bison fans don’t really do panic—but there is a definite sense of "okay, who's next?" North Dakota State is coming off a 2025 season where they went 12-1, dominated the Missouri Valley, and then hit a wall against Illinois State in the playoffs. Now, looking at the north dakota state football depth chart heading into the next cycle, things are getting interesting.
The roster is undergoing one of those classic NDSU "reloads" that other FCS programs wish they could pull off. But this one feels heavier because of the sheer amount of production that's walking out the door. We aren't just talking about losing a few starters; we are talking about a massive transition in the backfield and in the trenches.
The Quarterback Room: It’s Cole Payton’s Show Now
Honestly, it felt like we were waiting forever for the Cole Payton era to officially arrive without any "dual-QB" caveats. With the 2025 season in the books and moving forward, Payton is the undisputed guy. Standing 6'3" and weighing in at 233 pounds, he’s basically a linebacker who can throw a 60-yard post route.
He isn't alone in that room, though. The depth chart behind him has some young talent that coaches are quietly high on. Nathan Hayes, a junior, has been the reliable backup, but keep an eye on Trey Drake. Drake is a sophomore who looks the part, and then you've got the true freshmen like Zander Smith and Preston Brown. NDSU usually likes to redshirt these guys, but in the modern era of the portal, you've gotta keep them engaged early.
Who is Taking the Snaps?
- Starter: Cole Payton (Sr.)
- Primary Backup: Nathan Hayes (Jr.)
- The Future: Trey Drake (So.)
- Freshman Watch: Zander Smith / Preston Brown
Replacing the Engines: The Backfield and Wideouts
The biggest headache for offensive coordinator Dan Larson isn't the QB spot; it's the fact that the top two rushers from last year are gone. You don't just "replace" the kind of production NDSU is used to.
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Barika Kpeenu is the veteran expected to shoulder the load. He's a senior now, and it's his time. But the Bison always use a stable of backs. Look for TK Marshall to potentially factor in, along with younger names like Jonathan Harvey. The real wildcard is Myles Mitchell, a freshman who might be too fast to keep off the field.
At wide receiver, RaJa Nelson and Bryce Lance are the names you'll hear most. Lance, specifically, has that "it" factor—he’s 6'3", he’s a senior, and he has a knack for finding the soft spot in zone coverage.
The Trenches: A New Look "Rams"
If you want to understand the north dakota state football depth chart, you have to look at the offensive line. It’s the identity of the school. But Trent Fraley, the Rimington Award winner and arguably the best center in the FCS, is a massive loss. He’s the kind of guy who makes everyone else’s job 10% easier just by existing.
Devin Lockerby and Kaden Chadwick are the "old heads" now. They’ll be expected to anchor a group that includes a lot of sophomores like Ryan Babatz and Nate Schneckloth. It’s a young group, which usually means some growing pains in September, but by November, they’re usually a freight train.
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Projected Starters on the Line
Left Tackle: Austin Schultz (So.)
Left Guard: Devin Lockerby (Jr.)
Center: Jack Liwienski (So.) or a rotation of younger talent.
Right Guard: Kaden Chadwick (Jr.)
Right Tackle: Nate Tastad (Fr.)
It’s worth noting that NDSU’s recruiting class for 2025 was heavy on the O-line. They brought in five guys, including Alex Warden and James Nellis. Don't be surprised if one of these "babies" ends up in the two-deep by mid-season because of an injury.
Defense: Can Grant Olson Keep the Standard?
Defensive coordinator Grant Olson has a bit of a puzzle to solve on the defensive line. Kody Huisman moved on, which leaves a gap in the interior. Jaxon Duttenhefer is still there, and he’s a beast, but he needs help.
The linebacking corps is actually where I’m most comfortable. Logan Kopp is a name every MVFC offensive coordinator hates. He’s everywhere. He’s joined by Enock Sibomana and potentially Alex Elliott, a transfer who provides immediate depth.
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Defensive Playmakers to Watch
- Logan Kopp (LB): The heart of the defense. If he’s healthy, the Bison are top-10.
- Jailen Duffie (CB): A shutdown corner who is finally coming into his own as a veteran.
- Jalon Peoples (CB): A transfer from Texas Tech who adds that FBS-level speed to the secondary.
The secondary actually looks pretty deep. Between Jalon Peoples and Antoine Booth (another transfer), the Bison have addressed their biggest weakness from two seasons ago: giving up the big play on third-and-long.
The Coaching Factor
Tim Polasek is entering his second year, and honestly, the honeymoon period is over. Fans expect championships. Period. He’s kept a lot of the staff consistent, which helps with recruiting, but the loss of some key veteran leaders on the field means the coaching staff has to be more "hands-on" than they were last year.
The promotion of Mark Kennedy over at NDSCS (the junior college branch, essentially) shows the coaching tree is healthy, but for the main Bison squad, it’s all about Dan Larson’s offense finding a rhythm without a bell-cow running back.
Actionable Insights for the Season
If you are tracking the north dakota state football depth chart for betting or just because you’re a die-hard, here is what you need to watch during the spring and fall camps:
- Watch the Center Battle: Replacing Fraley is the #1 priority. If the exchange between the center and Payton isn't clean by Week 1, the whole offense stutters.
- The Transfer Impact: Keep an eye on Jalon Peoples and Alex Elliott. NDSU doesn't take many transfers, so when they do, those players are expected to start or play significant snaps immediately.
- Third-Down Conversion: With a mobile QB like Payton, look for NDSU to use more designed QB draws on 3rd and medium. It's a nightmare to defend when you have to account for Bryce Lance on the outside.
The 2026 outlook is bright, but it's a different kind of bright. It’s less "we have five-year starters everywhere" and more "we have elite athletes who are finally getting their turn." The transition might be a bit bumpy early on, especially with the non-conference schedule, but the depth is there. It always is in Fargo.
Get familiar with names like Cole Payton and Bryce Lance now, because by the time the playoffs roll around, they'll likely be household names in the FCS world again.