While Minnesota Golden Gophers head coach P.J. Fleck is reticent to schedule FBS newcomer North Dakota State, he will gladly win recruiting battles.
The Gophers recently landed three-star quarterback Jett Feeney from Moorhead, just 15 minutes from NDSU. It marked the third commitment from the Minnesota town that borders Fargo, where the 10-time FCS champions reside.
Feeney, the son of former Bison quarterback Kevin Feeney, has eclipsed 7,500 yards and 100 touchdowns in his prep career for the Spuds. The younger Feeney passed on an NDSU program, which offered him, despite the recent move to the FBS.
The Bison aren't just another FCS team moving up, amid a trophy case full of national championships, numerous NFL draft picks, and three CollegeGameDay appearances. NDSU has produced two quarterbacks who went in the top three of the NFL Draft, and will likely have five former quarterbacks n the NFL this fall. The Bison also finished higher, No. 40, in the Sagarin ratings than the Gophers, No. 53.
Feeney's father, who coaches the Spuds, played for the Bison program in the 1990s when it was in Division II. NDSU dominated that level with eight national championships, but the Bison took it to another level with 10 FCS crowns in 15 years during the 2010s and 2020s.
The Bison have enjoyed success against the FBS with a 9-5 record, and that included two upsets over the Gophers in 2007 and 2011 before Fleck's tenure. Fargo Forum reporter Dom Izzo reported that Fleck has decided not to play the Bison at this time.
Minnesota's other recruits from Moorhead include running back Taye Reich and wide receiver David Mack. The trio helped the Spuds reach the Class 6A state championship game last fall.
They will look to produce a big senior season in 2026 before helping the Gophers climb the ladder in the Big Ten. Minnesota went 8-5 last season and won the Rate Bowl over New Mexico.
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