North Dakota State Bison is 0-0 on the season, 0-0 against the spread, and holds a power rating of -5.6. North Dakota State Bison enters the season with a power rating of -5.6, placing them below average relative to the FBS midpoint. The North Dakota State Bison host Jacksonville State next in Week 0. In 2025, North Dakota State Bison went 12-1 overall, 5-5 against the spread, and 7-3 on totals.
In Week 0 of 2026 the North Dakota State Bison Power Rating of -5.6 is 5.8 points below the FBS average according to Blue Chip Analytics. North Dakota State Bison have logged 0 miles of travel so far, out of a season total of 18,929 miles, ranking 4th heaviest in the FBS.
| Week | Opponent | Distance | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 0 | Jacksonville State | Home | 0 mi |
| Week 1 | Fordham | Home | 0 mi |
| Week 2 | Air Force | 680 mi | 1,361 mi |
| Week 3 | Sacramento State | 1,371 mi | 4,104 mi |
| Week 4 | — | Bye | |
| Week 5 | Wyoming | Home | 4,104 mi |
| Week 6 | UNLV | 1,206 mi | 6,515 mi |
| Week 7 | Nevada | Home | 6,515 mi |
| Week 8 | New Mexico | 963 mi | 8,442 mi |
| Week 9 | UTEP | Home | 8,442 mi |
| Week 10 | — | Bye | |
| Week 11 | Hawai'i | 3,804 mi | 16,050 mi |
| Week 12 | Northern Illinois | Home | 16,050 mi |
| Week 13 | San José State | 1,439 mi | 18,929 mi |
| Week 14 | — | Bye | |
| Week 15 | — | Bye | |
| Week 16 | — | Bye | |
North Dakota State enters its first season in the Mountain West Conference after a storied FCS run. The Bison return a veteran offensive line anchored by Kansas transfer Kene Anene, but the skill positions are unproven. Senior quarterback Nathan Hayes, who saw limited action last year, takes over as the starter. The defense lost captain Nathaniel Staehling to Michigan, leaving all-conference linebacker Donovan Woolen as the leader of an inexperienced unit. The team's success hinges on how quickly these new pieces gel against a higher level of competition.
Three starters return on the offensive line, and the addition of Kene Anene at right tackle gives the Bison a formidable front. This group should provide Nathan Hayes with time to throw and open lanes for a running back committee led by DJ Scott, who averaged 7.3 carries per game last season. The line's performance will be critical as the offense adjusts to faster, more physical FBS defenses.
The loss of Nathaniel Staehling leaves a void at linebacker, though Donovan Woolen is a proven playmaker. Freshman Gavin Sell will be counted on to contribute immediately. The secondary is even more uncertain, with two Division II transfers and four returning depth pieces competing for starting cornerback jobs. Safeties Darius Givance and Taylen Eady provide stability, but the corners must emerge quickly to avoid being exploited.
Punter Aaron Bickerton returns after averaging 45.4 yards per punt in 2025, giving the Bison a weapon in the field position battle. Kicker Drew Klein made his only attempt from 46 yards last year and will handle placekicking duties. Reliable special teams could be a difference-maker in close games as the offense and defense find their footing.
Despite the unknowns, North Dakota State's culture and development track record suggest they can compete immediately in the Mountain West. The offensive line and running game should keep them in most contests, but the passing attack and secondary are wild cards. If wide receivers like Jackson Williams step up and the defensive backs hold their own, the Bison could challenge for a bowl berth in their FBS debut.
North Dakota State Bison is 0-0 against the spread in the 2026 season.
North Dakota State Bison holds a Blue Chip Analytics power rating of -5.6, representing their expected point margin against an average FBS team on a neutral field.
North Dakota State Bison travels 18,929 miles in the 2026 season, ranking 4th heaviest in the FBS.
Cumulative travel distance counts both the outbound and return journey for every away game. For example, if a team travels 374 miles to play an away game, Blue Chip Analytics counts 748 miles (374 miles there, 374 miles back) toward the cumulative total. Home games and bye weeks add zero miles. The per-week Distance column shows the one-way distance only, as the return trip happens after the game is played.
North Dakota State Bison: 0-0 overall, 0-0 ATS, power rating -5.6.
