NDSU Bison Defense Ranks Second in FBS Points Allowed

North Dakota State entered the 2026 season as a first-year member of the Football Bowl Subdivision and the Mountain West Conference. The Bison have finished nine games with a 6-3 record and a defensive unit that ranks among the top statistical performances in the country.

The defense has allowed 11.89 points per game, placing the team second in all of FBS. Only New Mexico, also in the Mountain West, ranks higher with an average of 11.88 points allowed per game. If the three defensive touchdowns scored against NDSU are removed from the calculation, the Bison average 9.67 points allowed per game.

Middle linebacker Donovan Woolen credits the coaching staff for the unit's success. "I just knew we had to go out there and execute every single week and trust the coaching," Woolen said after the team's 31-7 victory over UTEP. "Whatever coach Olson calls, we have to go out and execute and it allows us to be able to make plays like that and be able to score on defense. That's awesome."

Cornerback Marion Moore has emerged as a standout performer, recording five interceptions and two defensive touchdowns. One of those scores came on a 56-yard fumble return against UTEP. Woolen, who plays middle linebacker, has drawn attention for his sideline-to-sideline range and is considered a candidate for the Mountain West defensive player of the year award.

The Bison hold the top ranking in the FBS for red zone defense, allowing opponents to score on 62.5% of their possessions inside the 20-yard line. NDSU is also first in passing efficiency defense and tied for first in fewest touchdown passes allowed, with four. The team has permitted only 11 total touchdowns in nine games, split between four rushing and seven receiving scores.

Defensive coordinator Grant Olson leads a unit that ranks second nationally in total defense, giving up 248.8 yards per game. This performance places the Bison in close competition with conference rival New Mexico. The Lobos defeated NDSU 21-16 in Albuquerque, holding the Bison to 16 points while scoring a defensive touchdown that decided the game.

The current defensive numbers place NDSU among the best in the school's history. In the FCS era, only four teams allowed fewer than 12 points per game: the 2011 squad at 11.5, the 2013 team at 11.3, the 2017 group at 11.6, and the 2021 unit at 11.1. The current team is approaching that historical threshold.

Despite the strong defensive numbers, the Bison have faced challenges on the offensive side. The team went 2-2 in its last four games before a recent bye week. In the final half of the win over UTEP, 60% of the offensive line positions were filled by backups, and the fourth-string running back handled the rushing load while the quarterback managed two injuries.

The Bison play Hawaii next before facing Northern Illinois at home and San Jose State on the road. NDSU is favored in all three remaining contests. The defense has allowed the team to remain competitive despite offensive injuries and a roster that is expected to see players enter the transfer portal after the season.

Former head coach Chris Klieman often stated that a team playing defense always has a chance. The current NDSU roster has demonstrated that principle by maintaining a high probability of a 10-2 season despite a battered offensive lineup.