Ben Cohen
Football
Bison recognized for 2024 NCAA FCS national championship
WASHINGTON – The North Dakota State University football team visited The White House and met with President Donald Trump on Wednesday, April 9, in recognition of the program’s 10th NCAA Division I FCS national championship.
The NDSU football team, coaches and support staff departed Fargo at 5:30 a.m. and arrived at the U.S. Capitol for lunch at noon hosted by North Dakota senators John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer, and representative Julie Fedorchak.
The Bison heard remarks from the North Dakota delegates and special guest Tommy Tuberville, current Alabama senator and former head football coach at Ole Miss, Auburn, Texas Tech and Cincinnati.
Great to host @NDSUfootball at the Capitol today for a celebratory luncheon and Capitol tour before we visit the @WhiteHouse. #GoBison pic.twitter.com/z3VMGBCn8T
— Senator John Hoeven (@SenJohnHoeven) April 9, 2025
Senator Hoeven presented two framed U.S. flags that previously flew over the Capitol, one in recognition of NDSU’s 2024 national championship and one in recognition of North Dakota native Randy Hedberg, who retired after the season following a 45-year college coaching career.
NDSU athletic director Matt Larsen, head coach Tim Polasek and the Bison captains spoke on behalf of the team to share thoughts on the season and appreciation for the opportunity to visit Washington.
Showing @NDSUfootball around the U.S. Capitol today – experiencing our history and seeing the sights before we head over to the White House to celebrate their national FCS championship win with @POTUS. pic.twitter.com/e40mUjlfBl
— Senator John Hoeven (@SenJohnHoeven) April 9, 2025
The Bison took a brief tour of the Capitol building before stopping for a team photo on the steps outside the Capitol and then traveling to the White House.
Greeted at the White House by live music from members of the U.S. Marine Corps band, the Bison enjoyed two hours in the White House before President Trump’s arrival in the East Room shortly before 6 p.m. local time.
President @realDonaldTrump welcomes North Dakota State University, 2025 Division 1 Football Champions, to the White House 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/gKQSFA5ADb
— Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) April 9, 2025
President Trump addressed the team and posed for a photo. Polasek delivered the president a gold No. 47 Bison jersey with a ‘Trump’ nameplate on the back, and wide receiver Braylon Henderson presented a green Bison helmet.
Tim Polasek, head coach of the NDSU Bison football team, gifts President @realDonaldTrump a 47 jersey 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/l0ddZLsAWd
— Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) April 9, 2025
President Trump closed his remarks by inviting the team into the Oval Office for photos, and the Bison departed shortly after 7 p.m.
https://gobison.com/news/2025/4/9/ndsu-football-team-visits-white-house.aspx