North Dakota State won't play football in 2020, Lance's future unclear
Reigning FCS champion North Dakota State won't play football this fall and is focused on returning in the spring of 2021, the school announced.
The Bison's decision leaves star quarterback Trey Lance's future in question. Lance, who could either play early next year, transfer to a team participating in a fall season, or declare for the 2021 NFL Draft, reacted to the news on Friday.
We did everything we could and handled everything the right way. It’s not fair, but we are unbelievably thankful for our coaches, staff, and administration for putting us in a position to have a chance to safely play this fall. https://t.co/K7AUHsfYec
— Trey Lance (@treylance09) August 14, 2020
North Dakota State has been one of the country's most successful programs over the last decade. The Bison have won eight of the last nine Division I FCS titles.
As a redshirt freshman, Lance was the catalyst behind his squad's championship run. The dual-threat quarterback threw 28 touchdown passes without an interception while rushing for 1,100 yards and adding 14 more scores on the ground.
Lance has received positive grades throughout the scouting community as a prospect, with many projecting him to be selected in the first round. Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz is the only player in North Dakota State history to be drafted in the opening frame.
The 2021 quarterback class will likely be headlined by Clemson's Trevor Lawrence and Ohio State's Justin Fields.