From the Fall 2026 issue of Bison Illustrated.
Photo by Gavin Fernholz, Dynamic Studios.
Q: You’re taking the leap to the FBS level with the rest of the team. What excites you most about that?
Kessel: I feel like it’s been long overdue to go up to the FBS level and the Mountain West. The whole team is ecstatic.
We kind of have a chip on our shoulder from last season, and we’re all so ready. We’re just chomping at the bit to go out and play.
Q: Is there a particular team you’re looking forward to playing the most?
Kessel: I’d say the top dogs. Right now, UNLV. I’m excited to go down to Allegiant and take on those guys and see what we can do against them. I think that’s the game I’m most looking forward to. It’s going to be exciting.
Q: Have you approached this offseason any differently because of the move to the FBS level, or has it mostly been business as usual?
Kessel: We just try to keep it the same as every other year, obviously with it in the back of our minds that we’re going to the FBS.
Maybe we’re pushing it just a little bit more and a little bit harder, but we don’t want to put too much pressure on ourselves. We’re treating it like every other year, and if we go out there and execute the way we know we can, it’s going to go well for us.
Q: Have you done anything fun this summer to take your mind off football a little bit?
Kessel: Besides being here for summer workouts and stuff, I’ve done a lot of golfing and fishing and went out to the lake.
Q: What lake?
Kessel: Lake Crystal.
Q: What should NDSU fans expect from you this season? What do you expect to bring to the table with another year under your belt?
Kessel: I’d say just being an all-around tight end. I’m going to go out there, put my hand on the ground and do my best to be a great blocker.
Then, just like last season, I’m going to go out and make plays with the ball in my hands and catch balls.
Career Highlights
- 2025 FCS Football Central Freshman All-America Team.
- 2025 Phil Steele FCS Freshman All-America Second Team.
- 2025 MVFC All-Newcomer Team.
- 2024 MVFC Honor Roll.
- Established NDSU’s freshman tight-end record with 335 receiving yards.
- Recorded the most receiving yards by any NDSU tight end since 2008.
- Averaged more than 22 yards per reception as a freshman.
Read the Fall 2026 magazine feature.
