Bison Defeat Jacksonville State in FBS Debut, 33-7

Saturday, August 29

Fargo, N.D.

4:30 p.m.

North Dakota State

1-0 , 0-0

Jacksonville State

0-1 , 0-0

Team	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final F
Jacksonville St.	7	0	0	0	7
North Dakota St.	7	10	10	6	33

Photo by: Zachary Lucy

Bison Defeat Jacksonville State in FBS Debut, 33-7

8/29/2026 9:45:00 PM | Football

Box Score Final Statistics

FARGO, N.D. - North Dakota State opened up its first season of FBS football with a 33-7 victory over Jacksonville State on Saturday, Aug. 29, before a crowd of 18,573 at Gate City Bank Field at the Fargodome.

Quarterback Nathan Hayes connected with tight end Reis Kessel on a 6-yard touchdown pass to cap an eight-play, 75-yard opening drive, and the Bison went up 17-7 before halftime on a 44-yard strike from Hayes to wide receiver Jordan McCants.

Drew Klein converted four field goal attempts for the Bison, including three in the second half from 44, 42 and 48 yards to extend the lead. NDSU also capitalized on a wild snap deep in Jax State territory that defensive end Blake Schiltz recovered in the end zone for a touchdown.

NDSU limited the Gamecocks to 2 of 10 on third down and the Bison controlled the clock for more than 36 minutes. Myles Mitchell carried 11 times for 74 yards, Nyeoti Punni had eight carries for 60 yards, and DJ Scott picked up 51 yards on 13 totes.

Hayes finished 14 of 22 passing with Jackson Williams making a team-high five receptions for 58 yards including a 20-yard reception on fourth-and-12 early in the second quarter that led to Klein's first field goal of the day from 34 yards.

Bison linebacker Donovan Woolen made a game-high 10 tackles, Kelton McCaslin had 2.5 tackles for loss including 1.5 sacks, and cornerback Marion Moore made his first collegiate interception.

Jax State, which ranked fifth in the FBS last year for rushing offense, managed just 85 yards on the ground. Running back Jalen Likely rushed 11 times for 48 yards and quarterback Caden Creel carried 15 times for 44 yards while completing 12 of 23 passes for 85 yards.

North Dakota State is scheduled to host FCS opponent Fordham next Saturday, Sept. 5. The Rams lost their season opener to Colgate on Friday night, 24-14.