North Dakota State added a new running back via the transfer portal on May 9, and the Bison filled a significant void in the process.
Freshman running back Braylon Tolliver sustained an ACL tear in spring practice, and he will miss the season, the Fargo Forum’s Dom Izzo reported. The Bison’s recent addition of Holy Cross running back Nyeoti Punni Jr. will give the Herd another option in the team’s first FBS season this fall.
“I think what was really appealing to me was how many different ways they can attack a defense in the run game, especially behind such an elite offensive line,” Punni told Izzo. “Just talking with Coach [Sam] Ojuri and Coach [Dan] Larson, I felt like they had a great vision for how I could be used in the offense. Whether it’s downhill runs or stretch plays, I feel like I can provide a spark in both and make an impact in multiple ways.”
NDSU will need a spark in the backfield this year because of the losses to graduation in addition to the Tolliver injury. The Bison lost leading rusher Barika Kpeenu, who had 1,005 yards and 20 touchdowns last season.
Junior running back D.J. Scott looks to be the team’s lead back in 2026 after he finished as the third leading rusher in 2025 with 502 yards and six touchdowns. At Holy Cross, Punni rushed for 417 yards and three touchdowns last season.
Punni is known for his speed, and he has also run collegiate track at Holy Cross.
Nyeoti Punni Jr.: ‘Like a Dream Come True’
A new New Hampshire native, Punni said he has been aware of the Bison program for years and wants to make his mark.
“Definitely like a dream come true,” Punnin told KVRR. “… I’ve obviously grown up watching Carson Wentz and Trey Lance and those guys coming through this program … and seeing the great things they’ve achieved.”
“And just knowing that … this program is, you know, second to none when it comes to, you know, producing NFL talent …. great players, great people, and … it was a match made in heaven I think,” Punni added.
NDSU has sent running backs to the NFL before, such as Lamar Gordon in 2002 and John Crockett in 2015. Kpeenu is currently getting his shot with the Minnesota Vikings after going undrafted.
Nyeoti Punni Jr. Found His Niche
Punni had a solid high school football career at Lebanon, New Hampshire, but he started with track and field at Holy Cross in 2022. His struggles with track and desire for football had him looking beyond himself for a new direction as a college freshman, a story he recounted to Holy Cross athletics’ Sarah Kirkpatrick Ryan.
“I would just walk around campus during the summer,” Punni told Kirkpatrick Ryan, “just thinking and thinking: ‘Did I make the right decision? Am I doing the right thing?’ Just praying a lot — just trying to see the light at the end of the tunnel.”
Punni joined the Crusaders football team and found a niche in 2025 after just five game appearances in 2024 and no game appearances in 2023. As a senior in 2025, Punni broke out with 5.9 yards per carry.
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