North Dakota State Faces Special Teams Challenge Ahead of FBS Transition

As North Dakota State prepares for its move to the FBS level, the program is confronting an unexpected concern that could impact its success in close games: managing special teams under new roster restrictions.

The Bison have built a national reputation as one of the most successful programs in FCS history, consistently defeating higher-level opponents and winning championships. A significant part of that success has come from reliable special teams play, particularly in crucial moments against FBS competition. However, head coach Tim Polasek recently acknowledged that the new 105-player roster limit has created challenges when it comes to allocating spots for specialists.

Polasek expressed concern about how the roster cap affects positions such as kicker, punter, and long snapper, noting that determining the right balance has become one of the more complicated aspects of the program’s transition to the FBS level.

The issue carries added importance because North Dakota State is expected to compete in several tightly contested conference games. Road matchups against programs such as UNLV, Hawaii, and New Mexico could be decided by special teams execution, making dependable specialists a necessity rather than a luxury.

Historically, the Bison have relied on clutch kicking performances in some of the biggest victories in program history. One of the most memorable moments came in 2016 when kicker Cam Pedersen connected on a game-winning field goal to upset then-No. 13 Iowa on the road, further cementing North Dakota State’s reputation as a giant killer.

Now, the program must replace another standout kicker. Eli Ozick, who handled kicking duties over the past two seasons, has transferred to Iowa for the 2026 campaign. During his time with the Bison, Ozick delivered several memorable performances, including a three-field-goal effort in a rivalry victory over North Dakota and a 54-yard kick against Indiana State, one of the longest field goals in school history. He also connected from 54 and 51 yards during the 2024 season, demonstrating impressive range and consistency.

At present, North Dakota State’s roster includes punters Caleb McGrath and Aaron Bickerton, but the search for a dependable placekicker remains an important storyline as the team prepares for its FBS debut.

The Bison have enjoyed a long tradition of special teams excellence. In the 2022 FCS semifinals, Griffin Crosa drilled a crucial fourth-quarter field goal that helped secure a dramatic victory over Incarnate Word and quarterback Cam Ward. Earlier playoff runs also featured standout kicking performances, including Adam Keller’s five-field-goal effort against Montana in the 2014 postseason.

Special teams have produced memorable trick plays as well. In 2003, North Dakota State stunned Montana with a successful fake field goal that resulted in a game-winning touchdown. Two years later, kicker Shawn Bibeau provided the decisive points in a victory over Ball State, marking the program’s first-ever win against an FBS opponent after transitioning to Division I-AA, now known as the FCS.

Another landmark moment came in 2010 when Ryan Jastram connected on two field goals in a 6-3 upset of Kansas, a victory that helped launch the Bison toward a deep playoff run.

As North Dakota State enters a new era of competition, maintaining that tradition of special teams excellence will be critical. While the program has consistently found game-changing production from its specialists, the combination of roster limitations and the departure of key contributors means the Bison face important questions to answer before beginning life at the FBS level.