The North Dakota State University Bison football team is set to embark on an exciting new chapter in 2025, with a schedule that will challenge the team and provide plenty of opportunities for success. The Bison will open the season with a home game against the University of Montana Grizzlies, a perennial FCS powerhouse. This will be a tough test for the Bison, but it will also be a great opportunity to show their mettle against one of the best teams in the country.
After that, the Bison will hit the road for a pair of games against FBS opponents. They will travel to Ames, Iowa, to take on the Iowa State Cyclones and then to Minneapolis, Minnesota, to face the Minnesota Golden Gophers. These will be two more tough tests for the Bison, but they will also be a great opportunity to gain some experience against some of the best teams in the country. The Bison will then return home for a pair of games against FCS opponents, the South Dakota State Jackrabbits and the Northern Iowa Panthers. These will be two more tough tests for the Bison, but they will also be a great opportunity to build some momentum heading into the FCS playoffs.
The Bison will close out the regular season with a pair of road games against FBS opponents. They will travel to Fargo, North Dakota, to take on the North Dakota Fighting Hawks and then to Brookings, South Dakota, to face the South Dakota State Jackrabbits. These will be two more tough tests for the Bison, but they will also be a great opportunity to finish the regular season on a high note. The Bison will then hope to earn a berth in the FCS playoffs, where they will have a chance to compete for a national championship. The Bison have a tough schedule in 2025, but they are a talented team with a lot of experience. They will be looking to make a run at the FCS championship this year, and they will have a chance to do it with a strong schedule.
Bison Charge into 2025 Season
2025 NDSU Football Schedule
The North Dakota State Bison are set to embark on their 2025 campaign with a challenging schedule that will test their mettle from the get-go. After a bye week to open the season, the Bison will hit the road for a showdown with the Montana Grizzlies, a perennial powerhouse in the FCS. The following week, NDSU returns home to face the Eastern Washington Eagles, another formidable opponent from the Big Sky Conference. The Bison will then face a pair of FCS Independent schools, the Presbyterian Blue Hose and the St. Thomas Tommies, before wrapping up their non-conference slate with a trip to Fargo to take on the FBS Wyoming Cowboys.
The Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) portion of the schedule is no less daunting, with the Bison facing off against all seven of their conference rivals, including perennial contenders South Dakota State and North Dakota. The Bison will also host two marquee non-conference matchups, welcoming the Ohio State Buckeyes to Fargo on September 27th and the Minnesota Golden Gophers on October 18th.
The 2025 season promises to be one of the most challenging in recent memory for the Bison, but the team is confident that they have the talent and experience to navigate the treacherous waters. With a veteran-laden roster led by quarterback Trey Lance and running back Adam Cofield, the Bison are poised to make a run at their 10th FCS National Championship in 11 years.
| Date | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|
| September 6 | Bye | – |
| September 13 | @ Montana | Missoula, MT |
| September 20 | Eastern Washington | Fargo, ND |
| September 27 | @ Ohio State | Columbus, OH |
| October 4 | Presbyterian | Fargo, ND |
| October 11 | @ St. Thomas | St. Paul, MN |
| October 18 | Minnesota | Fargo, ND |
| October 25 | @ Southern Illinois | Carbondale, IL |
| November 1 | Northern Iowa | Fargo, ND |
| November 8 | @ South Dakota State | Brookings, SD |
| November 15 | Western Illinois | Fargo, ND |
| November 22 | @ North Dakota | Grand Forks, ND |
NDSU Kicks Off Home Slate
North Dakota State will kick off its 2025 home football slate on Saturday, September 6th, when they host the University of Montana Grizzlies at the Fargodome. The two teams have a long history, with the Bison holding a 13-6 advantage in the all-time series. The Grizzlies will be looking for revenge after NDSU defeated them 27-14 in Missoula last season.
Homecoming Weekend
The Bison’s homecoming game will be held on Saturday, October 4th, when they host the South Dakota State Jackrabbits. NDSU has won the last five meetings between the two teams, including a 24-21 victory in Brookings last season. The Jackrabbits will be looking to snap their losing streak against the Bison and spoil their homecoming celebration.
| Date | Opponent | Time |
|---|---|---|
| September 6th | Montana | 1:00 PM |
| September 13th | @ Drake | 1:00 PM |
| September 20th | @ Nebraska | 11:00 AM |
| October 4th | South Dakota State | 1:00 PM |
| October 11th | @ Missouri State | 3:00 PM |
| October 18th | @ North Dakota | 2:30 PM |
| October 25th | Southern Illinois | 1:00 PM |
| November 1st | @ Indiana State | 1:00 PM |
| November 8th | @ Western Illinois | 1:00 PM |
| November 15th | Illinois State | 1:00 PM |
Tough Road Tests Await Bison
The North Dakota State University (NDSU) football team will face a challenging schedule in 2025, with several tough road tests on the horizon. The Bison will open their season at home against the University of Northern Iowa, before embarking on a three-game road trip that will see them face the University of South Dakota, the University of Minnesota, and the University of Northern Iowa. They will then return home to host the University of Idaho, before traveling to the University of South Dakota State University. The Bison will then close out their regular season with two more home games, against the University of North Dakota and the University of Montana.
Key Games
NDSU’s most challenging game of the 2025 season will likely be their matchup against the University of Minnesota. The Golden Gophers are a perennial powerhouse in the Big Ten Conference, and they will be looking to avenge their loss to NDSU in 2023. The Bison will also need to be wary of the University of South Dakota State University, which is a rising power in the FCS. The Bison and Jackrabbits have met in the FCS playoffs in each of the past two seasons, with NDSU winning both games. However, South Dakota State University is always a tough opponent, and they will be looking to knock off the Bison in 2025.
Minnesota Matchup
The Bison have a long and storied history with the Golden Gophers, and their matchup in 2025 is sure to be another classic. The two teams have met 44 times, with NDSU holding a 23-20-1 record in the series. However, the Golden Gophers have won the past two meetings, including a 28-23 victory in 2023. The Bison will be looking to avenge that loss in 2025, but they will have their work cut out for them. The Golden Gophers are a talented team, and they will be playing at home in front of a hostile crowd in Minneapolis.
| Date | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|
| August 29 | Northern Iowa | Fargo, N.D. |
| September 6 | South Dakota | Vermillion, S.D. |
| September 13 | Minnesota | Minneapolis, Minn. |
| September 20 | Northern Iowa | Cedar Falls, Iowa |
| September 27 | Idaho | Fargo, N.D. |
| October 4 | South Dakota State | Brookings, S.D. |
| October 11 | North Dakota | Fargo, N.D. |
| October 18 | Montana | Fargo, N.D. |
Showdown with the Eagles
The Bison will host Eastern Washington on September 20, 2025, in a non-conference matchup. The Eagles are a perennial FCS powerhouse, having won three national championships in the past decade. NDSU has a 2-1 record against Eastern Washington, with the most recent meeting being a 37-24 victory in 2018.
Key Players to Watch
| Player | Position |
|---|---|
| Eric Barriere | Quarterback |
| Efton Reid III | Running Back |
| Freddie Roberson | Wide Receiver |
| Ty Gavin | Linebacker |
| Dylan Ledbetter | Safety |
What to Expect
The game is expected to be a close one, with both teams having a strong chance of winning. NDSU will be looking to extend its winning streak against Eastern Washington, while the Eagles will be looking to avenge their loss in 2018. The game is likely to be decided by who can make the most plays in the big moments.
Border Battle Renewed
The Bison and Gophers will renew their historic rivalry in 2025, marking the first time the two teams have met since 2014. The game will be played at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, the former home of the Gophers.
The Border Battle is one of the most heated rivalries in the FCS, with the two teams having met 88 times since 1902. The Bison hold a 42-40-6 edge in the series, but the Gophers have won the last three meetings.
The 2025 game will be a rematch of the 2014 FCS Championship Game, which the Bison won 29-27. The game was a classic, with the two teams trading blows throughout. The Bison eventually prevailed on a last-second field goal.
The 2025 Border Battle is sure to be another memorable game. The two teams are both expected to be among the top teams in the FCS in 2025, and the game will have major implications for the national championship.
2025 NDSU Football Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|
| September 6 | Montana State | Fargo, N.D. |
| September 13 | at Cal Poly | San Luis Obispo, Calif. |
| September 20 | at Sam Houston State | Huntsville, Texas |
| September 27 | Southern Illinois | Fargo, N.D. |
| October 4 | at South Dakota State | Brookings, S.D. |
| October 11 | Western Illinois | Fargo, N.D. |
| October 18 | at Eastern Washington | Cheney, Wash. |
| October 25 | Villanova | Fargo, N.D. |
| November 1 | at Northern Iowa | Cedar Falls, Iowa |
| November 8 | South Dakota | Fargo, N.D. |
| November 15 | at Minnesota | Minneapolis, Minn. |
| November 22 | North Dakota | Fargo, N.D. |
FCS Championship Aspirations
NDSU’s FCS Championship aspirations remain as strong as ever in 2025. The Bison have won a record nine FCS national championships, and they are looking to add to their trophy case this year. NDSU returns a wealth of experience and talent on both sides of the ball, and they are poised to make another run at the title.
Key Players to Watch
NDSU has a number of key players to watch in 2025. Offensively, quarterback Cam Miller is back after a breakout season in 2024. He threw for over 3,000 yards and 30 touchdowns, and he will be looking to build on that success this year. Running back TK Marshall is also back after rushing for over 1,000 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2024. He is one of the most dynamic running backs in the FCS, and he will be a key part of NDSU’s offense in 2025.
Defensively, NDSU returns a number of key players, including linebacker Cole Wisniewski. He is a two-time FCS All-American, and he is one of the best linebackers in the country. Defensive end Marques Sigle is also back after a breakout season in 2024. He had 10 sacks and 15 tackles for loss, and he will be looking to continue to be a force on the defensive line in 2025.
Schedule Analysis
NDSU has a challenging schedule in 2025, but they are confident that they can compete with anyone. They open the season on the road against the University of Iowa, and they will also face tough road tests against South Dakota State, Montana State, and Northern Iowa. At home, NDSU will host Incarnate Word, Lindenwood, South Dakota, and Illinois State.
| Date | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|
| September 6 | University of Iowa | Iowa City, IA |
| September 13 | Incarnate Word | Fargo, ND |
| September 20 | Lindenwood | Fargo, ND |
| September 27 | South Dakota | Fargo, ND |
| October 4 | @ South Dakota State | Brookings, SD |
| October 11 | @ Montana State | Bozeman, MT |
| October 18 | Illinois State | Fargo, ND |
| October 25 | @ Northern Iowa | Cedar Falls, IA |
Bison Defense Set for Tests
North Dakota State’s defense will face several challenges in 2025, including a tough non-conference schedule. The Bison will open the season at FBS opponent Nebraska, then host Montana State and travel to FBS opponent Washington State. In conference play, NDSU will face a tough test against FBS-bound South Dakota State and a rising North Dakota team.
Key Players
The Bison defense will be led by several key players in 2025, including:
- Derrek Flowers, DL: Flowers is a two-time All-American and one of the best pass rushers in the FCS.
- Michael Tutsie, DL: Tutsie is a rising star who had a breakout season in 2024.
- Will Mostaert, LB: Mostaert is a three-year starter who led the Bison in tackles in 2024.
- Jayden Price, DB: Price is a two-time All-American and the best cornerback in the FCS.
Experience and Depth
The Bison defense has a good mix of experience and depth in 2025. Several key players, including Flowers, Tutsie, and Price, will be returning starters. The Bison also have a number of talented young players who will be ready to step into bigger roles.
Scheme
The Bison defense will run a 3-4 scheme in 2025. The defense will be led by defensive coordinator David Braun, who is entering his second season with the Bison.
Outlook
The Bison defense is expected to be one of the best in the FCS in 2025. The defense has a number of talented players and a good scheme. The Bison will be tested by a tough non-conference schedule, but they should be able to compete for a national championship.
NDSU Offense Aims for Dominance
The Bison’s Offensive Prowess
NDSU’s offense has been a powerhouse in FCS football for years, averaging over 500 yards per game in recent seasons. Key players like quarterback Cam Miller and running back Hunter Luepke ensure the Bison can score from anywhere on the field.
Offensive Line Anchors the Success
The offensive line has been a key ingredient in NDSU’s success. Led by All-American center Jalen Sundell, the line provides protection for Miller and opens up holes for Luepke.
Dynamic Receiving Corps
Miller has a wealth of talented receivers at his disposal, led by senior Phoenix Sproles. Sproles is known for his acrobatic catches and ability to gain yards after the catch.
Luepke Powers the Run Game
Running back Hunter Luepke is the workhorse of the Bison offense. His powerful running style and ability to break tackles make him a nightmare for defenses.
Explosive Play Potential
NDSU’s offense is known for its ability to strike quickly. The Bison have scored numerous touchdowns of 50 yards or more in recent years, proving their potential for explosive plays.
Efficiency is Key
While NDSU can score in bunches, they also prioritize efficiency. The Bison convert a high percentage of third downs and rarely give the ball away. Their disciplined approach keeps drives alive and puts opponents in difficult positions.
Play-Calling Nuanances
Offensive coordinator Tyler Roehl’s play-calling is a key to NDSU’s success. He masterfully sets up defenders and puts his players in position to succeed. His schemes are often innovative and keep defenses guessing.
Numbers Don’t Lie
NDSU’s offensive dominance is reflected in the numbers. In 2022, they led the FCS in scoring offense (49.5 points per game) and total offense (587.1 yards per game). These statistics demonstrate the firepower that the Bison pack on the offensive side of the ball.
Eye on the Prize: FCS Championship
With a high-powered offense leading the charge, NDSU has its sights set on the FCS Championship. The Bison have won nine national titles in the past 12 years, and they aim to add to their trophy case in 2025. Their offensive prowess will be a major factor in their quest for glory.
Home Field Advantage in Fargo
The Fargodome, a 18,700-seat stadium, is the home field of the North Dakota State University (NDSU) Bison football team. The Bison have a long history of success at the Fargodome, having won numerous national championships in recent years.
Factors Contributing to Home Field Advantage
There are several factors that contribute to NDSU’s home field advantage:
Loud and Enthusiastic Crowd
The fans at the Fargodome are known for their passion and enthusiasm, creating a loud and intimidating atmosphere for opposing teams.
Weather Conditions
The Fargodome is an indoor stadium, which means that weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or wind, do not affect the game. This can give NDSU an advantage, especially against teams that are not used to playing in indoor conditions.
Familiarity with the Field
The Bison practice and play all of their home games at the Fargodome, giving them a significant advantage over teams that are not familiar with the field.
Win-Loss Record
NDSU has a strong win-loss record at the Fargodome. This winning tradition gives the Bison confidence and helps to intimidate opposing teams.
Notable Home Field Wins
NDSU has had numerous notable home field wins over the years, including:
- 2011 FCS National Championship Game
- 2012 FCS National Championship Game
- 2013 FCS National Championship Game
- 2014 FCS National Championship Game
- 2015 FCS National Championship Game
- 2017 FCS National Championship Game
- 2018 FCS National Championship Game
- 2019 FCS National Championship Game
- 2021 FCS National Championship Game
Impact on the Team
NDSU’s home field advantage has a significant impact on the team. The Bison have a better chance of winning at home than on the road, and they are often able to overcome deficits in front of their fans. The home field advantage is a key factor in NDSU’s success and has helped the Bison to become one of the most dominant teams in the FCS.
Home Game Schedule
The 2025 NDSU football home game schedule is as follows:
| Date | Opponent |
|---|---|
| September 6 | Montana State |
| September 13 | UCF |
| September 20 | South Dakota |
| September 27 | North Dakota |
| October 4 | Southern Illinois |
| October 11 | Western Illinois |
| October 18 | South Dakota State |
| November 1 | Missouri State |
| November 15 | Northern Iowa |
| November 22 | Youngstown State |
The Road to Playoffs Begins
The North Dakota State Bison football team will begin its 2025 season on Thursday, August 28, when they host the Drake Bulldogs at Gate City Bank Field at the Fargodome. The Bison will then hit the road for a pair of games, traveling to Brookings, South Dakota, to face the South Dakota State Jackrabbits on September 6 and to Cedar Falls, Iowa, to take on the Northern Iowa Panthers on September 13.
NDSU will return home to host the Youngstown State Penguins on September 20 before heading to Macomb, Illinois, to face the Western Illinois Leathernecks on September 27. The Bison will then have a bye week on October 4 before hosting the Missouri State Bears on October 11.
NDSU will travel to Vermillion, South Dakota, to face the South Dakota Coyotes on October 18 and will then host the Illinois State Redbirds on October 25. The Bison will close out the regular season with a road game against the North Dakota Fighting Hawks on November 1 and a home game against the Southern Illinois Salukis on November 8.
The Bison will be looking to make a run to the FCS playoffs for the 10th time in the past 11 seasons. NDSU has won eight FCS national championships during that span and is looking to add to its trophy case in 2025.
10. Missouri State Bears
The Missouri State Bears are coming off a 5-6 season in 2022. The Bears return several key players from that team, including quarterback Jason Shelley and running back Jacardia Wright. Missouri State will be looking to improve on its record in 2025 and challenge for a berth in the FCS playoffs.
| Date | Opponent | Location | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 28 | Drake Bulldogs | Gate City Bank Field at the Fargodome | 6:00 PM |
| September 6 | South Dakota State Jackrabbits | Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium | 6:00 PM |
| September 13 | Northern Iowa Panthers | UNI-Dome |
NDSU Football Schedule 2025
The North Dakota State University Bison football team will play a 12-game regular season schedule in 2025. The schedule features seven home games and five road games. NDSU will open the season at home on September 6 against the Butler Bulldogs. The Bison will then travel to Ames, Iowa to face the Iowa State Cyclones on September 13. NDSU will host the Southern Illinois Salukis on September 20 and the South Dakota State Jackrabbits on September 27. The Bison will then travel to Grand Forks, North Dakota to face the North Dakota Fighting Hawks on October 4. NDSU will host the Northern Iowa Panthers on October 11 and the Missouri State Bears on October 18. The Bison will then travel to Cedar Falls, Iowa to face the Northern Iowa Panthers on October 25. NDSU will host the South Dakota Coyotes on November 1 and the Western Illinois Leathernecks on November 8. The Bison will then travel to Fargo, North Dakota to face the North Dakota State College of Science Wildcats on November 15. NDSU will close the regular season at home on November 22 against the Youngstown State Penguins.
