The top-ranked, defending FCS National Champion North Dakota State Bison were upset Saturday by Illinois State inside the Fargodome, 29-28.
Redbirds quarterback Tommy Rittenhouse weathered five interceptions, throwing the game-tying touchdown to Daniel Sobkowicz with one minute remaining in the game. Rittenhouse passed for 249 yards and threw all three of his touchdowns to Sobkowicz.
Rittenhouse completed the two-point conversion pass to Scotty Presson Jr. The Redbirds held on the ensuing drive to knock off the 2025 champions.
Victor Dawson gashed the Bison for 137 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries.
Cole Payton had a pedestrian passing day for the previously undefeated Bison, completing 4 of 12 passes for 112 yards and a 78-yard touchdown to Bryce Lance — the star receiver’s only catch of the day.
NDSU tailback Barika Kpeenu found running room hard to come by, finishing the contest with 16 carries for 55 yards and a touchdown.
Jackson Williams had a punt return touchdown for NDSU and Nate Staehling returned one of his two interceptions to the house.
Taylen Eady, Donovan Woolen and Anthony Chideme-Alfaro had one interception each.
The Bison finish their season with a 12-1 record. Illinois State moves on in the FCS Playoffs with a 10-4 mark.
