Minnesota Lands Top QB Recruit From Rival North Dakota State

The Gophers snagged a prized quarterback from the FBS newcomer and FCS powerhouse Bison program.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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The Minnesota Golden Gophers have landed a commitment from three-star quarterback Jett Feeney, who hails from Moorhead, Minnesota - just 15 minutes from rival North Dakota State University. Feeney, the son of former Bison QB Kevin Feeney, passed on an offer from the Bison program to join the Gophers instead.

Why it matters

North Dakota State has emerged as an FCS powerhouse in recent years, winning 10 national titles since 2010 and producing several NFL-caliber quarterbacks. The Bison have also had success against FBS opponents, including two upsets over Minnesota. Landing Feeney, a top recruit from the Bison's backyard, is a significant recruiting victory for the Gophers.

The details

Jett Feeney has put up impressive numbers in his high school career, eclipsing 7,500 passing yards and 100 touchdowns for Moorhead High School. Despite NDSU's offer, Feeney chose to join the Gophers program. Minnesota head coach P.J. Fleck has opted not to schedule the Bison in recent years, but has now landed three top recruits from Moorhead, including Feeney, running back Taye Reich, and wide receiver David Mack.

  • Feeney committed to Minnesota on March 11, 2026.
  • Feeney and his Moorhead teammates reached the Class 6A state championship game in 2025.

The players

Jett Feeney

A three-star quarterback recruit from Moorhead, Minnesota who has committed to play for the Minnesota Golden Gophers, passing on an offer from nearby rival North Dakota State.

P.J. Fleck

The head coach of the Minnesota Golden Gophers football team, who has opted not to schedule games against the FBS newcomer North Dakota State Bison in recent years.

Kevin Feeney

The father of recruit Jett Feeney, who played quarterback for the North Dakota State Bison program in the 1990s when they were in Division II.

North Dakota State Bison

The FBS newcomer football program that has emerged as an FCS powerhouse, winning 10 national titles since 2010 and producing several NFL-caliber quarterbacks.

Minnesota Golden Gophers

The Big Ten football program that has landed a commitment from top quarterback recruit Jett Feeney, who hails from the Bison's backyard in Moorhead, Minnesota.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

This recruitment victory for Minnesota highlights the Gophers' ability to land top talent from the Bison's backyard, despite NDSU's recent FCS dominance and success against FBS opponents. It also raises questions about the future scheduling dynamic between the two programs, as Fleck has opted not to face the Bison in recent years.