NDSU's Barika Kpeenu Projects as Power-Playmaking Running Back for NFL

Barika Kpeenu turned a delayed opportunity into a final-season surge that should put him squarely on NFL radars. Kpeenu finished his collegiate career with 2,283 rushing yards and 32 rushing touchdowns on 434 carries across 47 games, added 35 catches for 369 yards and two receiving scores, and posted 20 rushing touchdowns in 2025, the most by an NDSU running back since 2014. He leaves Fargo as a two-time FCS national champion and earned FCS All-American recognition in his last season.

NFL draft analyst and national scout Gerald J. Huggins II captured the arc plainly: “Barika Kpeenu had to wait his turn at North Dakota State, but delivered in his final season with an FCS All-American campaign.” Huggins highlights a rare blend of size and finishing power, calling Kpeenu “above-average size, a powerful build, and a one-cut running style that operates effectively downhill,” and noting his “early burst,” ability to “slip through tight creases,” and willingness to “invite contact,” finishing runs with “a forward lean, quality leg drive, and contact balance.” Those traits combine with a “functional straight-line” athleticism and a strong closing burst, translating to consistent yards after contact.

Those physical and production markers place Kpeenu in a clear role projection: a power-playmaking back who can carry a workload between the tackles and finish drives. His 35 receptions for 369 yards show he can be involved in the passing game, though his receiving volume is limited relative to some modern every-down backs. NFL teams that prioritize downhill-running producers who can grind out short-yardage and goal-line work will find Kpeenu appealing; his American Bowl invite also gives him a closer look in front of pro scouts.

North Dakota State’s quarterback room produced another draft-interest name in Cole Payton, whose profile offers a contrasting projection. Draft analyst Matthew Jones notes Payton’s upside as a runner-first, left-handed quarterback and projects him in mid-round range: “Besides the jump in level of competition, Payton’s biggest challenge will be working through progressions, having relied heavily on first reads in school and tending to run when his primary receiver wasn’t open. From a tools-based perspective, though, there’s a lot to like, and he could probably contribute in a tailored run-based package early on.” Payton checks in at 6-foot-3 and 233 pounds, posted his best season as a runner in 2023 with 84 carries for 615 yards and 13 rushing touchdowns while adding 289 passing yards and three passing scores, and has drawn descriptions as a Day-3 developmental prospect.

For NFL decision makers, Kpeenu’s case is straightforward: a proven short-yardage finisher with contact balance and touchdown production who fills a specific, often undervalued roster need. For draft observers and NDSU fans, the next steps are clear, test performances, the American Bowl, and pro day workouts will refine where Kpeenu and Payton land on boards. Kpeenu’s physical toolkit and 2025 scoring output make him an intriguing candidate to turn college momentum into pro snaps.