MINOT, N.D. – The Minot State football team heads into a new season prepared to exceed the expectations of the team's rivals as the Beavers were picked fifth in the North Division in the NSIC Preseason Football Coaches' Poll released today.

The Beavers received 15 points in the coaches' poll in the North Division standings, and were picked 10^th overall in the NSIC with 52 points.

"We're excited about the direction of our program and the group we have coming back this fall," fourth-year Beaver head coach Ian Shields said. "Returning our entire offensive line, including our starting tight end, gives us a tremendous foundation offensively, while having seven starters back on defense provides the experience and continuity you need to compete every week in the NSIC.

"Our players have another year in our system, and that added experience has allowed them to play faster and more confidently within our style of play," Minot State's coach added. "We've also recruited well at the skill positions. While many of those players are still relatively unproven at the collegiate level, we're very optimistic about the talent we've added and believe they have the potential to elevate our football team.

"It's a group that's hungry to take the next step, and we're looking forward to seeing what they can accomplish together."

The Beavers hit the turf at First Western Bank Field at Herb Parker Stadium to open the season on Thursday, August 27, hosting non-conference foe Emporia State (Kan.) at 6 p.m. to kick-off the season.

One week later, Minot State opens NSIC play hosting Wayne State at 6 p.m. on Thursday, September 3.

Minnesota Duluth was picked to win the North Division with 36 points and 6-of-7 first-place votes, while Minnesota State was picked to win the South Division with 36 points and 6-of-7 first-place votes, as well. The Mavericks were picked as the No. 1 team in the NSIC overall with 166 points and 10 first-place votes, with the Bulldogs tabbed as the No. 2 team with 154 points and 3 first-place votes.

Augustana was picked third overall in the NSIC with 145 points and the remaining first-place vote.

In the North Division, Northern State was picked second by the coaches with 29 points, then Bemidji State in third with 25 points and one first-place vote. Minnesota State Moorhead was picked fourth with 23 points, then Minot State in fifth with 15 points, Mary was sixth with 10 points, and Jamestown was seventh with 9 points.

The NSIC also named its Preseason Players of the Year, along with highlighting players to watch for each team, with senior offensive lineman Aidan Shumate and senior safety Kevin Speed being named the Beavers' offensive and defensive players to watch, respectively.

Shumate is a 6-foot-2, 280-pound lineman who twice has earned All-NSIC honors for Minot State.

"Aidan has been one of the cornerstones of our program over the past several seasons," Shields said. "Being a two-time all-conference performer speaks to the consistency and high level he's played at, and now entering his fourth year as a starter, he's become the leader our offensive line depends on. As a team captain and member of our leadership council, he sets the standard every day with his work ethic, toughness, and commitment to the team.

"He's been a major reason we've developed one of the top rushing offenses in the NSIC, and what makes him even more impressive is the way he excels in the classroom as a nursing major," Shields added. "Aidan represents everything you want in a student-athlete and leader."

As for Speed, a 6-2, 205-pound safety who earned 1^st Team All-NSIC honors in 2024, he returns after leading the team with 61 tackles last fall, along with a sack and an interception.

"Kevin has all the tools to be a special player," Shields said. "Earning First Team All-Conference honors is a reflection of the work he's put in, but we believe his best football is still ahead of him because of his tremendous athletic ceiling.

"He's an important member of our leadership council and leads by the way he prepares and competes every day. His range, physicality, and athleticism allow him to impact the game in so many ways, and he's the type of player our defense is built around."

Northern State senior running back Hank Kraft and senior linebacker Jake Adams were named the North Division's Preseason Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year, respectively, while Wayne State's senior running back Dawson Forgy and Minnesota State sophomore linebacker Jefferson Mobry were named the South Division's Preseason Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year, respectively.
 

NSIC Preseason Football Coaches' Poll

Rank	Team (1st place votes)	Points
1	Minnesota State (10)	166
2	Minnesota Duluth (3)	154
3	Augustana (1)	145
4	Sioux Falls	126
5	Wayne State	125
6	Northern State	106
7	Bemidji State	97
8	Minnesota State Moorhead	86
9	Winona State	83
10	Minot State	52
11	Mary	51
12	Concordia-St. Paul	34
13	Jamestown	29
14	Southwest Minnesota State	21

 

NSIC North Division Preseason Football Coaches' Poll

Rank	Team (1st place votes)	Points
1	Minnesota Duluth (6)	36
2	Northern State	29
3	Bemidji State (1)	25
4	Minnesota State Moorhead	23
5	Minot State	15
6	Mary	10
7	Jamestown	9

 

NSIC South Division Preseason Football Coaches' Poll

Rank	Team (1st place votes)	Points
1	Minnesota State (6)	36
2	Augustana (1)	29
3	Sioux Falls	27
4	Wayne State	22
5	Winona State	16
6	Concordia-St. Paul	9
7	Southwest Minnesota State	8