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NDSU beat out UND for a edge in recruiting.

North Dakota State recently added a defensive end in its first FBS recruiting class for 2027 and snatched it a recruit from an old rival in the process.

Defensive end Guardian Harris of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, announced his commitment on Sunday. Harris had an offer from North Dakota, too, but chose the Bison.

“I am extremely excited to announce my commitment to North Dakota State University to continue my academic and football career,” Harris wrote via X on Sunday. “I want to thank my parents for the time and sacrifices they made to make this possible, as well as my coaches for pushing me and developing me into the player and person I am today.”

“Lastly, thanks to all the NDSU staff for their time and help throughout the recruiting process, excited for what’s ahead and ready to get to work,” he added.

Harris became the 13th commit in the 2027 class and the fourth defensive line commit for the Bison. He will give the Bison serious size at 6-foot-5 and 230 pounds, and he’s a physical player, who also plays high school rugby.

Harris and fellow 2027 commits will join the Bison in Year Two of the program’s FBS journey. The Bison moved up from the FCS and the Missouri Valley Football Conference to the game’s top level and the Mountain West Conference this year.

NDSU’s Recruiting Class Ranks 2nd in Mountain West

SB Nation’s Mountain West Connection ranked the Bison second for recruiting in April behind UNLV, which participated in the conference championship game last year.

NDSU had one of the stronger weeks with the additions of tight end Hunter Peterson, offensive lineman Bryce Vigness and Harris. Northern Illinois, another new Mountain West Conference member, also had a big week with three linebacker recruits: Eli Neuhouser, Nick Milburn and Mateo Harmon. Similar to NDSU, Air Force also added a defensive lineman on the recruiting trail with Lucas Meyer.

Overall, NDSU ranks No. 73 nationally for recruiting with the 2027 class with 247 Sports. UNLV ranks No. 71 nationally as the top Mountain West, and NDSU’s fellow FBS newcomer, Sacramento State, ranks No. 57.

NDSU ranks above a few Power Four or traditional Power Four teams. Oregon State ranks No. 75, Illinois and Oklahoma State rank No. 82.

Recruiting for 2027 has a ways to go before the summer dead period, and much can change between now and then. More can change afterward with the fall national signing day, too, and beyond before the 2027 season.

A Look at NDSU’s Defensive Recruits For 2027

Harris joins a talented group of young defensive linemen, who could build the program in the coming years as an FBS and Mountain West Conference team.

Previous commits include Bloomington Jefferson (Minnesota) edge Dorian Ward. The 6-foot-3, 215-pound defensive lineman committed to the Bison in March.

Also from Minnesota, Mahtomedi edge Jacob Sokoll stands 6-foot-3 and 230 pounds. He committed to NDSU in April.

Jack Noonan, is one of the biggest recruits in the Bison recruiting class. The 6-foot-4, 240-pound defensive lineman from Rosemount, Minnesota, committed in March.

While none of the aforementioned recruits are ranked, the Bison did add a three-star recruit at safety in March. Robenson Duclona is a 6-foot-1, 185-pound safety from Bishop Verot in Fort Myers, Florida.

Other defensive recruits include Minnetonka (Minnesota) safety Cody Braun and Neenah, Wisconsin, linebacker Ashton Van Beek.