North Dakota State Bison football Dealt Transfer Blow

According to an announcement from X, North Dakota State transfer Kody Huisman is set to join the Virginia Tech Hokies.

North Dakota State DT Kody Huisman has committed to Virginia Tech, his rep @GudgelSpencer of Dream Makers tells @mzenitz and I for @247Sports/@CBSSports.

Huisman posted 37 tackles and 7.5 TFLs in 2024 along with a 80.7 PFF grade. https://t.co/WCVa5Ry9IY pic.twitter.com/W3nD4h7bkA

— Chris Hummer (@chris_hummer) April 23, 2025

As reported, “Huisman recorded 37 tackles and 7.5 tackles for loss in 2024, earning an impressive 80.7 PFF grade. He was regarded as one of the top returning defensive tackles in the FCS.”

Huisman received honorable mention recognition in the All-Missouri Valley Football Conference after playing all 16 games and amassing 37 tackles in just seven starts. He ranked third on the team with 7.5 tackles for loss, highlighted by a season-best six tackles and a forced fumble during the game against South Dakota State, which helped lead NDSU to the FCS National Championship. Additionally, he blocked two field goals in consecutive weeks—one against South Dakota State and the next against Murray State.

Virginia Tech is set to lose several key players on their defensive line, having had one of the most formidable front fours in the nation. Antwaun Powell-Ryland and Aeneas Peebles are likely to be selected in the upcoming NFL Draft, making them challenging to replace. So far, the Hokies have added James Djonkam (Eastern Michigan) and Ben Bell (Texas State) to enhance their edge play, along with Jahzari Priester (Hampton) and Arias Nash (Mercer) for the interior. Huisman would be a valuable addition as Virginia Tech aims to maintain a robust defense under new defensive coordinator Sam Siefkes.

Huisman will be competing consistently with Nash and Priester for the second defensive tackle position alongside Kelvin Gilliam Jr., who had a strong season with 35 tackles, including 3.5 tackles for loss and a sack.

Another notable contender is Kemari Copeland, a fellow transfer who joined Virginia Tech from the JUCO ranks last season but was sidelined by injury after just four games.