Official Bison Podcast thread (local media, radio shows, national radio, etc)

The Hype Train is leaving the station - NDSU LB Donovan Woolen joins The Insiders - July 31st, 2025

https://www.spreaker.com/episode/the...2025--67204846

McFeely: After Barika Kpeenu, Bison running backs are mostly mysteries

Senior from West Fargo Sheyenne is only known commodity in group largely made up of freshmen, transfers.

https://www.inforum.com/sports/bison...stly-mysteries

NDSU Football Head Coach Tim Polasek joins The Insiders as Fall Camp ramps up - Aug 1st, 2025

https://www.spreaker.com/prime

Bison football's new man in the middle

Junior Nathaniel Staehling takes over at middle linebacker after three seasons as an understudy.

https://www.inforum.com/sports/bison...-in-the-middle

The Bison have yet to release a depth chart but sophomore Donovan Woolen has the inside track at one outside spot. Junior Austin Altepeter and redshirt freshman Peder Haugo figure to be part of the mix. Sophomore Oliver Lucht, redshirt freshman Ray James and University of Minnesota transfer Alex Elliott may not be far behind.

NDSU Fall Camp observations after practice number three

Different offensive line combinations and two running backs stand out as the pads come on for the first time.

https://www.inforum.com/sports/bison...e-number-three

Transfer DJ Scott looks fluid and fast out there. The 5-foot-11, 206-pound Scott has “picked things up quickly” and has seemingly adjusted to the offense.

True freshman Myles Mitchell has a burst to him when he gets the ball. Several times during team drills, Mitchell made a move and eluded a couple of tacklers and got up the field. Mitchell has an elusiveness to him that makes him intriguing to watch and it appears that those two backs have separated themselves early on as the top three backs. Owen Johnson is in the mix as well as a player that Polasek wants to carve out a role for as camp moves along.

Redshirt freshman safety Will Steil had the highlight reel play of the day, making a fantastic one-handed leaping interception on the outdoor practice field.

John Gores caught everything. Gores was in the mix on several drills, whether it was toe-tapping catch on the sideline, or going over the middle to make a play and he came down with it.

Junior tight end Luke Kokat got some good run during team drills, making a couple of nice catches and initiating contact either after a catch or blocking for a run.

There are a couple of younger offensive linemen to watch during camp as well, redshirt freshman Nate Tastad has grabbed coaches attention with his physicality, along with Moorhead’s Austin Schultz who is earning more reps.

Former NDSU Bison thrower Payton Otterdahl primed for another high finish at U.S. Outdoor Championships

https://www.inforum.com/sports/bison...-championships

For the former North Dakota State thrower, Sunday, Aug. 3, in Eugene, Oregon, would be the ideal time hit that big mark. A spot on the world stage is at stake.

The men's shot put competition for the USATF Outdoor Championships is slated for Sunday at Hayward Field. The top three placers in that event earn a spot in the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. That event is slated for Sept. 13-21. Otterdahl has three previous third-place finishes at the USATF Outdoor championships, qualifying for the 2020 and 2024 Olympics and also the 2023 World Championships.

Bison junior Toby Anene becoming 'more natural' leader for NDSU defensive ends

Anene is on the preseason watch list for the Stats Perform Buck Buchanan Award, which is awarded to the top defensive player in the FCS.

https://www.inforum.com/sports/bison...defensive-ends

McFeely: Do Bison have best receiving corps in FCS? Oddly, it's possible

https://www.inforum.com/sports/bison...y-its-possible

Fall Camp Conversation with Bison DT Keenan Wilson on The Insiders - August 4th. Keenan was asked about the other DTs and he said he was

helping Zach Vanderpool. Gobison.com has Vanderpool listed as a DE but that may be wrong. He was listed at DT last year.

https://www.spreaker.com/prime

Bison Football Sideline Reporter Noah Gindorff on The Insiders - August 4th

https://www.spreaker.com/episode/bis...-4th--67248818

Kick to him at your own risk- Budding star for the Bison Jackson Williams joins The Insiders - August 5th, 2025

https://www.spreaker.com/episode/kic...2025--67260227

2025 Bison fall camp observations after the first week. A group of true freshmen are pushing to potentially get on the field this fall.

https://www.inforum.com/sports/bison...the-first-week

(Raja) Nelson was lining up with the running backs during position drills on Monday.

“That is definitely something that is in store for me,” Nelson said after practice on Monday. “I love being in the backfield, more of that scatback label, I feel like there are different ways to get the ball.

Junior safety Darius Givance; who has all-conference player written all over, had a tremendous de-cleating hit on true freshman Chris Kiel.

The aforementioned Kiel is one that is getting more reps with the number one and two units. Kiel, who had a Northern Illinois offer and turned that down to sign with NDSU in February, is a slash-type receiver at 5-foot-11 and 198-pounds.

Defensive tackle Alijah Wayne certainly looks the part. Wayne weighed in at 6-foot-4, 273-pounds and looks all of that.

Buffalo, Minnesota native Ryan Babatz was out with the top group several times during Monday’s practice at left guard.

Two defensive transfers had solid days, cornerback Antoine Booth, who had a nice pass breakup and tackle Obald Niyonkuru had a solid stop during team drills.

Cade Osterman, Carson Williams, Jailen Duffie and Charles Ross III each were held out of practice on Monday.

NDSU safety Darius Givance emerges as versatile element in Bison secondary. Givance started 12 games for North Dakota State last season.

https://www.inforum.com/sports/bison...ison-secondary

Klieman added younger players at the position, like redshirt freshmen Will Steil and Taylen Eady, have also shown promise early in fall camp. Eady was sidelined Wednesday and was wearing a knee brace. Head coach Tim Polasek said after practice it's possible Eady could miss significant time.

Hot Mic Interview: The Forum's Mike McFeely looks at the young players grabbing attention at Bison fall camp

https://www.inforum.com/sports/hot-m...ison-fall-camp

Bison RB Owen Johnson joins The Insiders - August 7th, 2025

https://www.spreaker.com/episode/i-l...2025--67286796

2025 Bison fall camp observations; some true freshmen are standing out

Offensive lineman Ryan Babatz and defensive tackle Alijah Wayne are impressing through the first week.

https://www.inforum.com/sports/bison...e-standing-out

Head coach Tim Polasek said after practice that there’s a chance Elliott “is going to miss significant time.” Eady, whose right knee was in a brace, could also miss “significant time.” They were joined by freshman offensive lineman Brett Tastad and linebacker Gavin Sell on the sidelines.

Several other players were either held out or received a maintenance day Wednesday; starting offensive lineman Griffin Empey and linebacker Peder Haugo. Cade Osterman and Carson Williams also were not practicing.

Defensive tackles Keenan Wilson and Logan Larson were routinely getting into the backfield. Jaxon Duttenhefer had one drill where he was untouched and wrapped up running back Myles Mitchell. Polasek was not thrilled with his offensive line play and made that known during practice.

Sophomore receiver Jackson Williams is good. Really good. All throughout fall camp he has blazed past the Bison defensive backs to make highlight reel catches.

In our last update, Ryan Babatz’s name came up as a potential player on the offensive line. The 6-foot-5 freshman was once again getting first team reps, paired next to Beau Johnson.

Alijah Wayne is a name that Bison fans had better get to know. “He’s a viable candidate in the pass-rush situation.” Polasek said.

There is another way to look at things as well, that the sophomore and redshirt freshmen are not developing as fast as the coaching staff would want them too.

Bison Football LB Nathaniel Staehling stops by The Insiders live from Bison Media Day - Aug 8th, 2025

https://www.spreaker.com/episode/bis...2025--67303620

NDSU Football Head Coach Tim Polasek stops by The Insiders live from Bison Media Day - Aug 8th, 2025

https://www.spreaker.com/episode/nds...2025--67304174

Bison Football starting safety and part time musical genius Darius GIvance joins The Insiders - Aug 8th, 2025

https://www.spreaker.com/episode/bis...2025--67304593

McFeely: Bison's Kokat hopes to be more than one-hit wonder

NDSU tight end/fullback had a memorable hit in national championship game against Montana State, but ready to help as 'utility knife' on offense

https://www.inforum.com/sports/bison...one-hit-wonder

McFeely: With no starting offensive tackles back, it's rare year for Bison

With Beau Johnson at left tackle and likely Josh Magin at right tackle, NDSU has big shoes to fill at historically strong position

https://www.inforum.com/sports/bison...year-for-bison

"My message to that group is, who's going to step up and take a job and take a job and not let go of it? That's where there's some opportunity cultivated for Ryan Babatz," Polasek said. "Right now, I'm not sure. I just haven't seen any of the two sophomores (Nate Schneckloth, Jack Liwienski), the junior (Devin Lockerby) or the true freshman (Babatz) say, 'This is going to be my spot.'"

Polasek likes Johnson, Empey and Fraley if they can stay together on the left side.

"I think we have to get better play out of the other side," he said. "Josh Magin's got to be a little more consistent. I think the defensive line kind of crawled back up on us."

Early injuries might take bite out of Bison's special teams, depth. Promising young players Elliott, Eady could miss significant time.

https://www.inforum.com/sports/bison...al-teams-depth

Linebacker Alex Elliott, safety Taylen Eady and linebacker Gavin Sell — all of whom were in the mix to contribute either on special teams, defense or both — were sidelined at Wednesday's practice that was open to the media. In addition, backup cornerback Will Rosenmeyer and freshman offensive lineman Brett Tastad were wearing knee braces and using crutches.

McFeely: For running back D.J. Scott, transfer to NDSU means opportunity

With departure of Marty Brown, Scott and others have chance to be big part of Bison offense.

https://www.inforum.com/sports/bison...ns-opportunity

Scott is a redshirt sophomore running back who transferred from Football Bowl Subdivision newbie Kennesaw State and, in the words of Bison head coach Tim Polasek, is in a "dogfight" with true freshman Myles Mitchell to be the No. 2 back behind starter Barika Kpeenu.

"The guys that can make plays are going to play around here," Polasek said after Wednesday's practice, the fourth open to the media this fall camp. "We are looking for someone to establish themselves as the No. 2 playmaker and I like D.J. right now a lot. D.J. Scott has really done some good things."

Scott, Mitchell, Minnesota transfer Cortez LeGrant and true freshman Charles Ross III have emerged as the leading candidates.

NDSU Football RBs coach Sam Ojuri joins The Insiders - Aug 11th, 2025

https://www.spreaker.com/episode/nds...2025--67333274

SportsCenter's Matt Barrie took over as OC and called a few plays at NDSU practice

https://x.com/i/status/1954985782466228704

NDSU's next Omaha sensation, Jackson Williams is ready for his breakout season

Williams is eager to join a group that consists of Easton Stick, Christian Dudzik, RJ Urzendowski and Nick DeLuca.

https://www.inforum.com/sports/bison...reakout-season

The Williams and Payton families are connected as Jackson’s younger brother Bryson plays baseball with Cole’s younger brother Ethan. Jackson says that Payton is an Omaha legend. Bryson is no slouch on the football field either, he fielded offers from nearly 20 teams, including NDSU. He announced earlier this summer his commitment to Matt Campbell and Iowa State.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bisman

SportsCenter's Matt Barrie took over as OC and called a few plays at NDSU practice

https://x.com/i/status/1954985782466228704

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You can find the segment on You Tube.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mtoutfitter

You can find the segment on You Tube.

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How many fcs schools wrote down those plays? Lol. Tim is the man.

Freshman RB Myles 'Money' Mitchell joins The Insiders - August 12th, 2025

https://www.spreaker.com/episode/fre...2025--67346743

No moment is too big for him - Do it all man for the Bison offense Raja Nelson joins The Insiders - Aug 12th, 2025

https://www.spreaker.com/episode/no-...2025--67346924

Bison QB 1 Cole Payton joins The Insiders - Aug 13th, 2025

https://www.spreaker.com/episode/bis...2025--67357918

Former Bison great Marcus Williams back at NDSU to give coaching a shot

Former NFL cornerback putting experience to use in Bison defensive backfield.

https://www.inforum.com/sports/bison...oaching-a-shot

In a sense, it’s still a tryout. Polasek said this week that will be the litmus test for an ex-NFL guy.

“Can he sustain the amount of time it might take to be getting a real paycheck,” Polasek said. “And that’s what he’s trying to sort out. That’s what I’ve challenged him on, give this a real shot for six, seven months but you have to stay up here until (midnight). You have to know what it takes to be a coach and you have to make your way.”

Williams, whose title is defensive analyst, mostly works assisting cornerbacks coach Will Johnson, with safeties assistant Devin Klieman also part of the mix. Williams is more of a behind-the-scenes guy, mainly making sure younger players are ready to go once they step on the practice field.

Another update from Tim Polasek with Week one just 15 days away - Aug 15th, 2025

https://www.spreaker.com/episode/ano...2025--67379706

Cole Payton, Bryce Lance. and Mehki Collins stop by The Insiders - Aug 15th, 2025

https://www.spreaker.com/episode/col...2025--67379734

NDSU Football Fullback Truman Werremeyer joins The Insiders - Aug 15th, 2025

https://www.spreaker.com/episode/nds...2025--67380099

NDSU All-Dynasty Team: Bison Report's Blake Engebretson dives into his "All-Dynasty" team from NDSU's nearly 15-year FCS championship run

https://247sports.com/college/north-...all-252637734/

Hot Mic Interview: The Forum's Jeff Kolpack chats Bison position battles as fall camp wraps up

Jeff Kolpack Joins Hot Mic with Dom Izzo on Monday August 18th, 2025

https://www.inforum.com/sports/hot-m...-camp-wraps-up

Head Coach Tim Polasek joins The Insiders with Week 1 at The Citadel on the doorstep - Aug 22nd, 2025

https://www.spreaker.com/prime

Veteran NDSU Football DT Logan Larson joins The Insiders - Aug 22nd, 2025

https://www.spreaker.com/episode/vet...2025--67481720

McFeely: Bison break fall camp with dose of intrigue

https://www.inforum.com/sports/bison...se-of-intrigue

NDSU's defense is going to be strong from the get-go. Barring a flood of injuries during the season, no worries.

NDSU's offense is going to have some rough patches through the first three nonconference games against The Citadel, Tennessee State and Southeast Missouri State. How the Bison emerge into the Missouri Valley Football Conference slate, starting Sept. 27 against South Dakota at the Fargodome, will determine how the season will go.

The offensive observation was made because it appears the offensive line is still a work in progress and there have been times when starting quarterback Cole Payton and backup Nathan Hayes have not looked sharp. Interceptions and oddball throws have cropped up too often.

The defensive observation was made because the Bison are in a far better position at safety and cornerback than they were a year ago at this time, they might be better at linebacker and their defensive line looks better than first thought.