Having continuity provided a clear edge over competitors. NDSU’s OL, Grey Zabel, exemplified this. The talented offensive lineman is considered as a top 100 NFL prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft. Despite receiving offers in the “high six figures” to play at power conference schools, the fifth-year senior decided to stay at NDSU, as reported by ESPN.  

Zabel never jumped into the NCAA transfer portal in the era of college football, as he was aware of the advantage and disadvantage of staying and leaving. Moreover, the new coach of NDSU, Tim Polasek, told him, “Anything you can do, you can do through NDSU,”. Therefore, choosing the option of staying with North Dakota State was very easy for Grey. Not to forget, on Thursday night in Boulder, Zabel’s No.2 NDSU team will play with Deion Sanders’ CU Buffs.

How does Grey Zabel compete against CU Buffs?

As per the CFB analysts across the country, this game will be a much closer battle between the Buffs and Bison. Colorado takes this game as a litmus test, not only for bouncing back after the loss in the 2023 campaign but also for making an impact in the Big 12. Conversely, NDSU gets a chance to prove they can hang with the big boys of the FBS. Along with that, NDSU can continue its legacy of toppling giants after winning this game over Deion’s Colorado.

Before this season, NDSU has won nine of 13 games against FBS opponents. Hence, there is a chance to beat Colorado this year. Although, the result is uncertain, as the Buffalos are too strong as a team under Deion’s coaching. However, after scheduling of this game, Zabel said “We have a senior class of 27 guys, and I didn’t want to miss out on something special with those guys and go take a paycheck somewhere else,“. Therefore, the time can reveal the actual result, as NDSU will play against that school which has taken 90 plus players into the portal in the last two years. Now, the question is in which position Zabel will play against the Buffs?

Will Grey Zabel fit in the left tackle for this game?

Zabel is set to protect veteran quarterback Cam Miller’s blind side as he anchors North Dakota State’s offensive line on Thursday night against Colorado. However, till now, his position in the offensive line is not revealed. As per some media information, he will play as a left tackle. But, in this fact, his head coach said, “I’ll leave it up to offensive line coach Dan Larson as to where the 6-foot-6, 301-pound Zabel fits best.“

On this same question, Zabel said, “Whatever fits best on the offensive line,”. Alongside, he mentioned, “The coaches are going to put us in the best place to win and wherever that is, I’m happy with it.” It reflects that Zabel has trust in the process fully. Currently, he is preparing for the challenge of bringing more success to Bison.