NDSU players in the NFL: How Bryce Lance can join brother Trey, Christian Watson, more Bison alums originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
There are college football powerhouses. And then, there is North Dakota State, a buzzsaw of sorts at the FCS ranks.
The Bison might not have the name recognition of Ohio State, Notre Dame and Alabama. But rest assured; the program is more adept at winning national titles than all of them, hoisting 10 championships in the past 15 years. Whether helmed by Craig Bohl, Chris Klieman, Matt Entz or Tim Polasek, wins never appear too far from the Bison's grasp.
The Fargo-based program is renowned for its collective success. But a fair few individuals have seen their names shot up in lights, from one-time MVP candidates like Carson Wentz to more contemporary talents like Christian Watson, Grey Zubel and now, Bryce Lance.
With that, The Sporting News takes a look at NDSU's history in the NFL Draft, a billowing quilt certain to collect extra threads in the years.
MORE: Full list of every North Dakota State upset against a FBS opponent
There were 12 NDSU players who fielded snaps during the 2025 season. They are as follows:
A three-time FCS national champion with the Bison, Board has spent eight seasons in the league, turning out for four different franchises. Known as a special team specialist, Board inked a two-year, $6 million deal with the Giants ahead of the 2025 season. He played sparingly in the first two games of the season before being ruled out for the year with a chest injury. In March, New York released Board. He is still looking for a spot on an NFL team.
Hayes spent the first three seasons of his collegiate career at NDSU. The 6-foot cornerback transferred to Virginia following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hayes finished his collegiate career at Kansas State. The Buccaneers selected Hayes in the sixth round (No. 181 overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft. He has appeared in 47 games across three years in Tampa Bay, recording 67 tackles, three pass deflections, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.
Jones, a cornerback, anchored the Bison's defense across four seasons, tallying 83 tackles, three interceptions and nine pass deflections for the two-time national champions. He opted to transfer to Colorado State to live out the final two seasons of his collegiate career, achieving modest success in Rams colors. Jones signed with the Browns as an undrafted free agent, making five appearances before being placed on injured reserve with a knee injury.
Lance enjoyed a brief -- but wondrous -- career at the Fargodome, capturing the Walter Payton Award as FCS's most outstanding player after leading NDSU to national championship glory. He opted out of the 2021 season, prioritizing his NFL Draft prep. His decision paid off handsomely; the 49ers selected Lance with the No. 3 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Lance's NFL career has been marred by injuries and inconsistent performances. He's now a backup in Los Angeles, serving as Justin Herbert's understudy.
A two-time FCS champion and three-time first-team All-MVC fullback, Luepke was a dominant force at the collegiate level. He signed for the Cowboys in 2023 as an undrafted free agent. Luepke has made a marked impact across his three years in the league, inking a two-year, $7 million deal with Dallas at the start of the 2025 NFL season. Luepke is currently the fifth-highest-paid fullback in the NFL based on average annual value (AAV).
A second round pick out of Fargo, Mauch was the FCS' best offensive lineman during his time with the Bison. He, too, was a member of the NDSU side that captured three-straight national titles.
All told, Mauch spent six seasons with the Bison. He started each of his first 35 games with the Buccaneers before being cut down by a season-ending injury in Week 2 of the 2025 season.
Radunz, a hulking guard, found plenty of success during his time at NDSU, capturing three-straight FCS titles while picking up FCS All-American honors as a junior. Radunz's prowess as a pass-blocker earned him admirers. The Titans selected him in the second round (No. 53 overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft. He has since emerged as a steady option on the line, starting 41 games across his career. In 2025, he signed with the Saints.
Like Jones, Sigle took his talents from NDSU to the Wildcats, joining Kansas State after his redshirt freshman year. He emerged as one of the Big 12's better defensive backs during his time in Manhattan, earning all-Big 12 honorable mention honors. The Niners selected Sigle in the fifth round (No. 160 overall) of the 2025 NFL Draft. He started seven games for the playoff-bound 49ers in his maiden season, recording 52 tackles, two pass deflections and one fumble recovery.
Sundell is one of two standout Seahawks linemen on this list. A center, Sundell actually shined at left tackle during his senior year with the Bison, earning first-team All-American honors after moving down the line. Despite his versatility, Sundell failed to hear his name called during the 2024 NFL Draft.
The Maryville, Missouri native didn't pay too much mind, agreeing terms to a deal with the Seahawks in the offseason of 2024. Sundell made 12 appearances as a rookie then emerged as a starter ahead of the 2025 season. Sundell suited up for Seattle until Week 10, when he was cut down with a knee injury. He returned to action before the end of the year and started Super Bowl 60 as the Seahawks captured their second-ever Lombardi Trophy.
A rangy wide receiver with acrobatics flowing through his frame, Watson looks to be one of the league's better pass-catchers when healthy. He spent five seasons in Fargo, recording 2,140 yards and 14 touchdowns during his spell.