Barry Kpeenu Gains Increased Playing Time for Bison

The running back stepped into the rotation as injuries forced changes to the North Dakota State backfield.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Football

Barry Kpeenu Gains Increased Playing Time for Bison

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Running back Barry Kpeenu saw expanded action in the North Dakota State backfield during the recent win against Nevada. The transfer joined the program earlier this year and earned his opportunity following injuries to multiple teammates.

Why it matters

A series of injuries to key running backs, including DJ Scott and Nyeoti Punni, has created an urgent need for depth at the position. Kpeenu is now stepping in to support the offense as the team prepares for its next contest.

Kpeenu recorded eight carries for 33 yards during the 31-17 victory over Nevada, including a long run of seven yards. This performance follows his 2024 season statistics at Rochester Community and Technical College, where he logged 76 carries for 341 yards.

The players

Barry Kpeenu

He is a running back who transferred to North Dakota State after previously playing at Rochester Community and Technical College.

Tim Polasek

He serves as the head coach for the North Dakota State University football team.

DJ Scott

He is a North Dakota State running back who recently missed game action due to a shoulder injury.

Myles Mitchell

He is a running back for North Dakota State who was sidelined for the Wyoming game with a sprained ankle.

Nyeoti Punni

He is a North Dakota State running back who sustained a shoulder injury during the game against Nevada.

The details

After sending a recruiting video to NDSU head coach Tim Polasek, Kpeenu enrolled in the second semester of 2025 and demonstrated consistent performance in practice over the last three weeks. His increased role comes as the coaching staff manages the health of the backfield roster.

Barry Kpeenu enrolled at North Dakota State in the second semester of 2025.
The North Dakota State football team played Wyoming on October 3, 2026.
The North Dakota State football team played Nevada in October 2026.
North Dakota State is scheduled to play at New Mexico on October 24, 2026.

Season Trajectory

Kpeenu's increased usage serves as a critical stopgap for the Bison as they navigate a string of injuries affecting their core offensive production. His performance in the coming weeks will determine if he secures a permanent spot in the rotation as injured starters return to the lineup.

Fantasy players and fans tracking the Bison backfield should note that starters DJ Scott and Myles Mitchell are expected to return for the October 24 game against New Mexico. Kpeenu remains a situation-dependent option pending the full recovery of the team's primary ball carriers.

The takeaway

Kpeenu demonstrates that consistent practice performance can lead to significant opportunities when roster attrition strikes. Fans should monitor injury reports closely to see how the coaching staff rebalances playing time across the running back group.