North Dakota State Football Team: Championships, Legacy & Star Players

July 28, 2025

North Dakota State Football Team: A Dynasty in College Football

Introduction to the North Dakota State Football Team

The North Dakota State football team, known as the NDSU Bison, is arguably the most dominant program in the history of NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). With multiple national titles, elite player development, and an unmatched fan base, NDSU has built a football dynasty that has redefined what it means to be elite in college football.

A Program Built on Dominance

Early History and Growth

Founded in 1894, the NDSU football program has over a century of football tradition. Though it spent decades in Division II, NDSU’s move to Division I FCS in 2004 marked the beginning of a golden era.

National Championships and Records

NDSU has won a record 9 FCS National Championships since 2011 — a level of dominance unmatched at any level of college football.

Titles Since 2011:

2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2017
2018
2019
2021

These wins solidified NDSU’s reputation as an FCS powerhouse and set the gold standard for consistency, preparation, and execution.

Star Players and NFL Success

Quarterback Legacy

One key factor in NDSU’s dominance has been the development of NFL-caliber quarterbacks:

Carson Wentz – Drafted 2nd overall in the 2016 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles.
Trey Lance – Drafted 3rd overall in the 2021 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers.
Easton Stick – Drafted by the Los Angeles Chargers in 2019.

These players not only brought national attention to NDSU but also highlighted the strength of its coaching and training systems.

Other Notable Alumni

Billy Turner (OL) – Played for the Packers, Broncos, and Dolphins.
Kyle Emanuel (LB) – NFL draft pick and standout linebacker.
Christian Watson (WR) – Drafted by the Green Bay Packers, bringing dynamic speed and athleticism.

Coaching Philosophy and Staff

The Bison System

NDSU’s success isn’t just about talent — it’s about culture. The Bison are built on:

Physicality and toughness
Discipline and fundamentals
A “next-man-up” mentality that ensures depth at every position

Head Coach: Tim Polasek (as of 2025)

Coach Polasek continues the tradition of strong leadership, focusing on defense, special teams, and efficient offensive execution. His experience both within and outside the program helps maintain continuity and innovation.

The Fargodome and Bison Nation

Home Field Advantage: The Fargodome

The Fargodome, NDSU’s indoor stadium, seats over 19,000 fans and is famous for being one of the loudest and most intimidating venues in college football.

Bison Nation: A Loyal Fan Base

NDSU fans are passionate, loyal, and travel across the country for playoff games and championship appearances. “Bison Nation” creates an unmatched game-day atmosphere, complete with tailgates, traditions, and the famous “Code Green” defense chants.

Rivalries and Conference Play

Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC)

NDSU competes in the MVFC, one of the toughest FCS conferences in the nation. Their toughest competitors include:

South Dakota State University (SDSU) – Known as the “Dakota Marker” rivalry.
University of Northern Iowa (UNI) – Always a physical and competitive matchup.
University of North Dakota (UND) – The in-state rivalry, reignited in recent years.

Future Outlook and Recruiting

Continued Excellence

With top-tier facilities, a championship mindset, and a proven track record of success, NDSU continues to attract high-level recruits from the Midwest and beyond.

Player Development

One of NDSU’s greatest strengths is its ability to turn under-recruited athletes into NFL-ready stars — a testament to its elite strength and conditioning program and coaching philosophy.

Conclusion

The North Dakota State football team is not just a great FCS program — it’s a modern-day dynasty. With a record-setting run of national championships, a growing list of NFL alumni, and a passionate fan base, NDSU continues to set the bar in college football. Whether you’re a football fanatic or a newcomer to the sport, one thing is clear: the Bison run deep in the heart of Fargo — and they’re not slowing down anytime soon.