NDSU Has 8 Selected for FCS Preseason All-American Honors

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Football season is rapidly approaching, and college football is leading the charge. With the season coming up, fans are eager to learn about the year ahead, even predicting outcomes before the games are  even played. Who will win each conference? Which player will take home the each of the prestigious awards? Who will earn All-America honors?

Fortunately, the Stats Perform FCS Preseason All-America teams’ release has given the college football world a preview of players who could be on that list. North Dakota State leads the entire FCS with eight players receiving honors.

Since 2011, the FCS powerhouse North Dakota State Bison have maintained a dominant record of 172-19. During this period, the Bison have won nine NCAA Division I Football Championships. With eight players on the Preseason All-America teams, NDSU aims to win their first title since 2021 and prevent their rivals, the South Dakota State Jackrabbits, from achieving a potential three-peat.

NDSU's All-America Offense 

The Bison offense had two players make an appearance on the Preseason All-America teams, both as second-team selections: quarterback Cam Miller and offensive lineman Grey Zabel.

Head coach Tim Polasek inherited quite the weapon in Miller when he took the head coaching job last year. Miller has played four seasons of college football, all with the Bison. In fact, Miller has been the starter for the Bison since Trey Lance was drafted into the NFL. Miller’s first season as the starter for the Bison was the last year they won the FCS Championship. Last season, Miller scored 19 touchdowns, threw for 2,687 yards and had 4 interceptions.

Much of Miller’s success could not have been achieved without the help of Zabel, who also earned second-team All-America honors. Zabel has been with NDSU for four seasons and has contributed significantly to the Bison program’s success. Last season, Zabel was a cornerstone in an offense that ranked fourth in FCS.

The All-America Defensive Bison

Four of the eight selections for the Bison are on defense, with defensive lineman Eli Mostaert and safety Cole Wisniewski landing on the first team. On the second team, DL Dylan Hendricks and linebacker Logan Kopp round out the defensive honorees.

The DL duo of Mostaert and Hendricks has been a wrecking ball not only in the Missouri Valley Conference but also in the entire FCS. Last year, Mostaert recorded 37 total tackles, while Hendricks had 40 total tackles and 6.5 sacks. Both players are returning for their sixth seasons.

Star safety Wisniewski returns for his fifth season and aims to help the Bison defense dominate once again. Last season, Wisniewski amassed 88 total tackles, 8 interceptions and a forced fumble. He returned one of those interceptions 75 yards for a touchdown. Kopp was also a force at LB, recording 84 total tackles, 3.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles and 3 interceptions.

The All-America Special Team Bison

The last of the Bison with All-America honors this preseason are on special teams, with long snapper Hunter Brozio and placekicker Griffin Crosa making the cut. Brozio joined Mostaert and Wisniewski on the first team, while Crosa made the third team.

While it is exciting to discuss the future, the Bison are focused on showing their strength on the field. Eight players receiving great preseason honors is commendable, but for a powerhouse like NDSU, the expectations are much higher. Bison fans have their eyes set on dethroning the Jackrabbits and reclaiming their title, and it’s possible that this team can do it.

NDSU kicks off their season against Deion Sanders’ Colorado Buffaloes on Aug. 29 in Boulder, Colo. All the coverage you need will be right here on College Football Dawgs.