For the first time since North Dakota State began winning FCS titles, the Bison have an open competition for the starting quarterback position as spring ball begins this week.
Brock Jensen was the unquestioned starter heading into the 2012 and 2013 seasons after winning NDSU's first title in 2011. (Although the Carson #Wentz Hype Train was already underway in 2012 during some of Jensen's midseason struggles.)
Wentz, as expected, took over that starting role entering 2014 and 2015.
With Easton Stick going 8-0 as a redshirt freshman in place of an injured Wentz in 2015, the Bison had another starter locked up for 2016, 2017 and 2018.
NFL Draft: Stick Creating Own Journey To The NFL
Now, as NDSU looks to replace a ton of starters after graduating a class of 20+ seniors along with a new-look coaching staff with a new head coach, offensive coordinator and defensive coordinator, it's unknown who will be QB1 to start the season.
The Bison were able to keep its streak of national titles going in 2014 thanks to the clutch gene and future No. 2 overall draft pick of a talent in Wentz. Without him, hell, NDSU very well could have lost in the second round to South Dakota State.
Wentz also had an experienced defense and known commodities of running back John Crockett and wide receiver Zach Vraa in his first year starting. Stick had a whole lot of experience around him as well in his three years of full-time starting. And as it turns out, he has NFL talent, too.
The Bison, while always able to reload, will be young and inexperienced in multiple spots on the depth chart. The quarterback spot isn't the only unproven position on the roster, unlike national title threats SDSU and James Madison.
Needless to say, this is the most noteworthy quarterback battle the FCS has had in a number of years.
Here's what you need to know about the four QBs on the spring roster.
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Trey Lance
6-foot-3, 223-pound Redshirt Freshman
Many inside and outside the NDSU program believe Lance is the heir apparent to Stick. The Marshall, Minnesota, native was a 247 3-star dual-threat quarterback and the best-rated QB the Bison have ever landed. Lance told me that on the night before the early signing day, Boise State called him and told him if he doesn't sign with the Bison, he'll have a scholarship waiting for him in Boise.
He stuck to his commitment and the Bison used the four-game redshirt rule on Lance last year, getting him action in two games while dressing him in all 15. Most fans and Fargo media assumed if Stick were to go down with an injury, Lance was likely going to step into that starting role despite not being listed as the No. 2 on the depth chart. He showed his speed in those two games with touchdown runs of 44 yards against North Alabama and 23 yards against South Dakota.
Lance has huge expectations surrounding him. He is the future guy at NDSU. Whether his time comes in 2019…we'll find out.
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Zeb Noland
6-foot-2, 222-pound Junior
It was a surprise when Noland's name was tweeted out as a member of this year's recruiting class. The Bison do take transfers (even though some online NDSU fans seem to think otherwise), but it's maybe one or two a year to fill some depth spots or special teams roles.
But Noland is coming from Iowa State to not only add experience to a young QB room, but to push Lance for the starting job.
Noland saw action in Ames. The Watkinsville, Georgia, native and 3-star recruit played in four games and started one as a redshirt freshman in 2017. Last year, he played in five games, including passing for 360 yards and two touchdowns against No. 5 Oklahoma. On the season, Noland went 70-for-110 for 722 yards, four TDs and one interception.
SDSU, who is looking to replace a longtime starter as well, was also in on Noland. His path to being a starter was maybe a little more clear in Brookings, but he chose the Bison.
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Holden Hotchkiss
6-foot-3, 201-pound Sophomore
Hotchkiss was listed as NDSU's No. 2 QB last year. He played big-time high school football in Lakeland, Florida, and went 20-5 as the starter. He was a big recruiting win for the Bison as a 2-star recruit.
Another year of development for Hotchkiss could mean he's ready to take on a starting role. He'll certainly have every opportunity to win the battle despite only attempting eight college career passes.
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Noah Sanders
6-foot-3, 220-pound Sophomore
Sanders turned down a scholarship offer from Montana State to walk-on at NDSU. From Lakeville, Minnesota, he set Apple Valley High School single-season records for passing yards and total touchdowns.
A position switch is always possible between spring ball and summer camp. James Hendricks did it with Stick one year ahead of him and he turned into an All-MVFC safety heading into his senior season this year.
Sanders is the biggest underdog to earn QB1 honors, only appearing in one game for the Bison. But NDSU has had crazier walk-on success stories. (How's that NFL contract, Joe Haeg?)
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