MWC · 2026

North Dakota State

2025 record 12–1 8–0 MVFC conference
Postseason FCS — NCAA second-round L 28–29 vs Illinois State
Head coach Tim Polasek
Scheme Pro Style / 4-3
Conference
B+

Co-favorite +300 / O8.5 Over lean with FCS spine; eligible after NCAA rule change. Label all 2025 lines FCS

Portal
C

Portal #9 with only 7 commits / 1.82 points is a retention class — do not read as bottom-board alone

Depth
B+

Named FCS continuity across OL/DL/DB; QB transition (Hayes over Kaminski) is the open flag

Market odds

To Win MWC
Yes 0.00%
No 0.00%
To Make Conf. Championship
Yes TBD
No TBD
Over 8.5 wins
Yes 0.00%
No 0.00%

Recruiting ranks

Overall #9 28 commits · 168.4 pts
Portal #9 7 commits· avg 85

Roster notes

Leading story

FCS→FBS transition chart (eligible for MW championship and bowls): Nathan Hayes at QB1; DJ Scott at RB1

Offense

WR Mekhi Collins / Isiah St. Romain / Jackson Williams; TE Reis Kessel. OL: Ryan Babatz / Nate Tastad / Griffin Empey / Josh Magin / Kene Anene

Defense

Kelton McCaslin / Keenan Wilson / Logan Larson / Matthew Stenbroten; Alex Elliott / Keith Williams / Donovan Woolen; EJ Davis / Darius Givance / Taylen Eady / DJ Voltz

Key offense

  1. 01
    Nathan Hayes QB
    Listed starter
    • Listed QB1
  2. 02
    Jackson Williams WR/ST
    Returning
    • Listed WR-F
    • MW preseason Special Teams POY
  3. 03
    Griffin Empey C
    Returning
    • Listed C1
    • MW preseason All-Conference OL — FCS→FBS trench continuity

Key defense

  1. 01
    Keenan Wilson LDT
    Returning
    • Listed LDT1
    • MW preseason All-Conference DL
  2. 02
    Darius Givance SS
    Returning
    • Listed SS1
    • MW preseason All-Conference DB
  3. 03
    DJ Scott RB
    Portal
    • Listed RB1 over Seidl’s FCS production — the clearest skill-position transition tag