The first week of December was a busy one for North Dakota State football.

It began with the news that Cole Wisniewski was going to enter the transfer portal after rehabbing a foot injury all season long. The former All-American safety has not played a down this season for the Bison.

It continued with National Signing Day as NDSU added 32 high school players for its Class of 2025, highlighted by a pair of players that will enroll early and be in Fargo in January. 

Standout redshirt freshman running back Marty Brown brought home the Jerry Rice Award, which goes to the top freshman in FCS, the second Bison to win the award, joining Trey Lance in 2019.

Finally, there is a football game to chat about, as NDSU opens the FCS Playoffs with a first-time opponent in Abilene Christian.

The Wildcats (9-4); won their league the United Athletic Conference and knocked off Northern Arizona in the first round of the playoffs. 

They are led by standout quarterback Maverick McIvor, who missed last week's game with an injury. He is expected to play in Saturday's game against NDSU.