Bison Football Signs 20 New Recruits, Adding Key Talent for 2026

The North Dakota State University (NDSU) football program made significant strides in its 2026 recruiting class by signing 20 high school players, emphasizing both talent and physicality. The unexpected focus on offensive linemen emerged with the addition of Earl Brown and Tucker Thieneman, who bring impressive size and skills to the team. Brown, standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 303 pounds from Pillager, Minnesota, and Thieneman, also 6-foot-5 but 290 pounds from Pewaukee, Wisconsin, both represent a strategic enhancement to NDSU’s roster.

Thieneman, who received offers from several prominent programs, including Mississippi, Missouri, Florida, and Maryland, chose NDSU, a decision attributed to the school’s history of developing NFL offensive linemen. NDSU head coach Tim Polasek noted that Thieneman’s recruitment timeline aligned well with the Bison’s needs, allowing them to establish a strong rapport with him and his family. “They value physical toughness,” Polasek remarked, emphasizing the cultural fit between Pewaukee High School and NDSU.

The early signing period commenced on December 20, 2023, and concluded on December 22, 2023, with NDSU securing commitments from players who had been verbally committed since the previous spring or summer. Brown was one of those recruits, showcasing his potential during a summer camp at NDSU. “Earl Brown had as good of a camp as I can remember,” Polasek stated, praising Brown’s leadership and maturity.

Both Brown and Thieneman, along with tight end Caden Ward from Lincoln East High School in Nebraska, will enroll at NDSU in the upcoming semester, graduating early from high school. Thieneman is recovering from a meniscus injury that limited his playtime to only three games last season. Polasek expressed confidence in Thieneman’s recovery, stating, “He’s working through that and he’s moving around now.”

The coaching staff’s experience in fostering NFL talent has played a pivotal role in attracting top recruits. Offensive coordinator Dan Larson has a history of developing professional players, while current offensive line coach Dylan Chmura brings insights gained from his father, Mark Chmura, a former Green Bay Packers player. Polasek, who served as the offensive line coach at the University of Iowa for four years, remarked, “We’ve gotten a chance to recruit in the offensive line based on some of our storytelling and some of our experiences in developing guys.”

In addition to strong offensive linemen, this recruiting class features speed with players like 5-foot-9 receiver Myles Ellis from Flossmoor, Illinois. Polasek highlighted Ellis’s potential to break a state record in the 300-meter hurdles, stating, “Turn his film on and tell me that’s not Big Ten fast.”

Defensive back Deron Russell from Waseca, Minnesota, was another key recruit for NDSU, who faced competition from Washington State, where his brother plays. The Bison also secured Kobe Russell, a dual-threat athlete from Prescott, Wisconsin, who had multiple offers, including from Fresno State. Polasek acknowledged the significance of retaining Russell, saying, “Kobe hung in there with us.”

Notably, NDSU did not recruit a quarterback this cycle, a departure from previous years when they signed two. The team already has four scholarship quarterbacks returning, allowing them to focus on strengthening other positions.

Looking ahead, Polasek expressed optimism about the future recruiting class for 2027, stating, “I can’t be specific about that, but I like what we have going on with the potential of ‘27.”

The Bison’s signing day class for 2026 includes:

– Cash Danner, LB, 6-4, 225, Thompson
– Jason Hunter Jr., DL, 6-4, 245, Fargo Davies
– Trey McPartland, OL, 6-6, 290, Valley City
– Kyle Schlichting, WR, 6-3, 195, West Fargo Sheyenne
– Gunner Thielges, RB, 6-1, 185, LaMoure
– Q Barnslater, WR, 6-0, 165, Apple Valley
– Earl Brown, OL, 6-5, 295, Pillager
– Daniel Devine, DL, 6-4, 230, Holy Angels
– Brayden Dozier, CB, 6-1, 170, Maple Grove
– Colten Gunderson, TE, 6-6, 215, Prior Lake
– Godson Rufus-Okomhanru, RB, 6-0, 180, Shoreview
– Daron Russell, CB, 6-1, 170, Waseca
– Skyler Werner, DL, 6-2, 270, Prior Lake
– Zach Hellendrung, DL, 6-3, 235, Boyceville
– Kobe Russell, Ath, 6-1, 185, Prescott
– Tucker Thieneman, OL, 6-5, 290, Pewaukee
– Jack Wilson, LB, 6-2, 225, Mount Herbo, Illinois
– Myles Ellis, WR, 5-9, 165, Flossmoor
– Gabe Vernetti, LS, 6-0, 230, Rockford, Nebraska
– Caden Ward, TE, 6-3, 220, Lincoln Southeast

As the Bison prepare for the future, this recruiting class indicates a commitment to building a robust and competitive team capable of making an impact in the upcoming seasons.