The North Dakota State Bison are poised to make history as they step onto the Football Bowl Subdivision stage for the first time, opening the season at home against Jacksonville State on August 29. The anticipation surrounding the matchup is amplified by the program’s recent preseason recognitions, which have placed several key players among the nation’s most celebrated at the FCS level.
Preseason Accolades
Griffin Empey earned a spot on the HERO Sports G6 Preseason All‑America second team as an offensive lineman. Last season he started all 13 games at right guard, collecting All‑American honors from five outlets and helping anchor a line that paved the way for a potent rushing attack.
Jackson Williams was named to the same second team as a return specialist. The senior’s dynamic play earned him Phil Steele FCS All‑America second‑team honors as a punt returner, and he remains one of only three Division I players to have scored both a kickoff return and a punt return touchdown in 2025.
Keenan Wilson received third‑team recognition as a defensive lineman. He concluded the previous season as an FCS All‑American from three different outlets, finishing with eight tackles for loss and four sacks while starting every game at defensive tackle.
The trio’s preseason selections underscore the Bison’s depth and the high expectations surrounding their first FBS campaign. As they prepare to host Jacksonville State, the players and coaching staff are focused on translating their regular‑season success into a strong debut on the larger stage.