Reis Kessel is emerging as NDSU’s top-returning TE with real mismatch juice
In the 2025 season, Reis Kessel flashed like a modern tight end should: 15 catches, 335 yards, 1 touchdown, and a hefty 22.3 yards per catch across 13 games for North Dakota State.[6][12] At 6-foot-5 and around 236-245 pounds, he brings size, catch radius, and downfield burst, and he’s already earned Freshman All-America recognition plus MVFC All-Newcomer honors.[6][12] The big caveat: a back injury briefly slowed August 2026 practice, so his early-season workload is worth monitoring, but when healthy he looks like a strong fit for a team wanting a boundary-sealing, explosive pass-catching TE.[14]
