Elite Transfer Sensation Commits to North Dakota State

North Dakota State Adds 1,900-Yard Rusher to 2027 Class

North Dakota State Bison continues to stack talent in its 2027 recruiting class, most recently securing a commitment from standout running back Martin Sleen.

Sleen, a Hermantown, Minnesota native, announced his decision Saturday after a dominant junior season in which he ran for 1,908 yards and 29 touchdowns on just 162 carries. The 5-foot-11, 187-pound back has been highly productive throughout his high school career, including a 1,623-yard, 24-touchdown sophomore campaign in 2024.

In his social media post, Sleen thanked his faith, family, teammates, coaches, and the NDSU staff for supporting him and giving him the opportunity. He chose the Bison over offers from South Dakota and Brown, becoming the program’s second running back commit in the class.

He joins fellow pledge Austyn Wittek, a Wisconsin standout who rushed for more than 1,800 yards and 31 touchdowns last season.

Skill Set and Production

Sleen brings a versatile skill set, combining toughness between the tackles with the speed to break away for big plays. He has emphasized improving his inside running and physicality, aiming to become a more complete back.

That development showed during his junior year, highlighted by a 300-yard, six-touchdown performance. He finished the 2025 season with 1,979 all-purpose yards and helped lead Hermantown to a section final appearance.

Head coach Mike Zagelmeyer has praised Sleen’s willingness to embrace contact, noting that his physical approach makes him especially dangerous despite his size. Quarterback Sawyer Senst also credited Sleen’s reliability and playmaking ability for easing pressure on the offense.

Class Overview

With Sleen’s commitment, North Dakota State now has 10 players pledged for 2027, many of them from Minnesota. Recent additions include Jacob Sokoll, Cody Braun, Dorian Ward, and Jack Noonan.

The Bison have also added size up front with in-state defensive lineman Andrew Matt.

Altogether, the class is shaping up to be another strong haul for NDSU, with Sleen projecting as a key future contributor in the backfield.