OTAs, Eligibility Changes Among Major Updates Impacting NDSU Football

With fewer than 50 days until the college football season begins, North Dakota State is preparing for one of the most significant periods of change in program history.

The Bison’s transition to the FBS headlines the offseason, but several NCAA rule changes are also set to reshape the landscape of college football. Along with NDSU and Sacramento State becoming eligible for FBS postseason play in the future, the FBS Oversight Committee has approved proposals involving a new eligibility system, an earlier season start beginning in 2027, and major revisions to spring and offseason practice schedules.

Earlier Season Start Creates New Scheduling Opportunities

Beginning in 2027, the FBS regular season will officially kick off on the final weekend of August, replacing the current Week Zero format. This year’s opener at Hawaii remains an exception for NDSU, but future schedules will benefit from the earlier calendar.

The new timeline allows programs to build more flexible schedules, potentially adding an extra game while creating opportunities for two bye weeks during the season. It also opens another television window, something broadcasters have welcomed.

North Dakota State is currently scheduled to face Montana State in Las Vegas on either Sept. 2 or Sept. 3 next season, with Sacramento State visiting the Fargodome on Sept. 11. Under the revised calendar, the Bison could add another game the previous weekend.

Proposed OTAs Could Transform the Offseason

Another major proposal would introduce NFL-style Organized Team Activities (OTAs) to college football.

Instead of the traditional 15 spring practices that conclude with a spring game, FBS teams would be permitted to hold up to 21 offseason practices spread across two practice periods over seven weeks. Six of those additional sessions, likely held during May and June, would be non-contact and conducted without full pads.

To balance the expanded offseason schedule, preseason training camp would be shortened from 25 practice days to 21.

NDSU head coach Tim Polasek has expressed caution about the proposal, emphasizing the importance of preserving the program’s long-standing strength and conditioning program during the winter and summer months. He has indicated that any additional practice time would need to complement—not replace—the training routines that have been a staple of the Bison’s success.

The FBS Oversight Committee is expected to vote on the proposal in August, with implementation slated for Jan. 1, 2027.

New Eligibility Rules Reshape Roster Planning

The NCAA’s newly approved five-year eligibility model is also creating additional roster decisions for NDSU.

Director of player personnel Josh Rosenthal now faces the task of determining how the updated rules affect each player’s remaining eligibility.

Athletes who have already used a redshirt season will continue under the previous system, but players who have never redshirted now receive an additional year of eligibility. That change benefits several key Bison contributors, including Donovan Woolen, Jackson Williams, Ryan Babatz, and Alijah Wayne.

The rule change may also alter the development plan for sophomore quarterback Preston Brown. Brown appeared in eight games last season, primarily on special teams, and was originally expected to redshirt in 2026 to preserve his eligibility. Under the new model, however, he now has four seasons of competition remaining regardless, giving the coaching staff greater flexibility to incorporate him into the offense.

The Missouri native has impressed during spring practices with his athleticism and continued development, making him a player to watch as fall camp approaches.