Moorhead High Senior Commits to North Dakota State
Senior wide receiver Drew Kessel announced his commitment to join the Bison football program in June 2026.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Football
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Moorhead High School senior Drew Kessel officially committed to play football at North Dakota State University in June 2026. The wide receiver chose the Bison to reunite on the field with his older brother, Reis Kessel.
Why it matters
Drew Kessel selected the university for its player development track record and the chance to play alongside his brother. His commitment secures a high-profile recruit for the program, drawing from an impressive list of offers that included multiple Big Ten Conference schools.
Drew Kessel is 6 feet 7 inches tall and weighs 220 pounds, having recorded 17 receptions and five touchdowns for the 8-0 Moorhead Spuds this season. His brother, Reis, measures 6-foot-5 at 245 pounds and currently averages 12.4 yards per catch for the Bison.
The players
Drew Kessel
He is a 6-foot-7-inch senior wide receiver at Moorhead High School who is projected to grow to 260 pounds.
Reis Kessel
He is a tight end in his third year with the North Dakota State University football team.
North Dakota State University
This is a public research university located in Fargo, North Dakota, known for its competitive college football program.
Moorhead High School
This is a public secondary school in Moorhead, Minnesota, where the football team currently maintains an 8-0 record.
The details
Kessel, who transferred from Fargo South High School for his senior year, attracted interest from high-level programs before choosing to stay local. The family currently manages a rigorous schedule coordinating travel to both high school and college games.
Timeline
June 2026: Drew Kessel verbally committed to NDSU.
October 2026: Reis Kessel caught a touchdown pass against New Mexico.
November 2026: The high school state playoffs take place.
Season Trajectory
Kessel's commitment alters the long-term roster outlook for North Dakota State, signaling a shift in how the program manages legacy recruitment. This move positions the team to benefit from established chemistry between the two brothers during future seasons.
With Drew Kessel joining the Bison, the team gains a receiver with a 6-foot-7 frame to complement the existing tight end production of his brother, Reis. This addition shifts the projected offensive rotation for the team's upcoming campaign.
The takeaway
Kessel's decision highlights the value of proximity and existing family connections in modern college football recruiting. Following his career transition will provide insight into how local athletes manage the jump to collegiate physical requirements.
Further reading
For more updates on regional athletic talent, visit the Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by INFORUM.
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