FARGO, N.D. (Interstat) — Nathan Hayes threw two touchdowns and North Dakota State beat Jacksonville State 33-7 on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, at Fargodome.

Hayes completed 14 of 22 passes for 160 yards and also ran seven times for 14 yards. He connected with Reis Kessel on a 6-yard score in the first quarter and Jordan McCants on a 44-yard touchdown late in the second quarter. Drew Klein added four field goals, from 34, 44, 42 and 48 yards. Blake Schiltz returned a fumble for a touchdown in the third quarter.

Jacksonville State tied the game at 7 in the first quarter on Caden Creel’s 8-yard touchdown run. Creel finished 12 of 23 for 85 yards and added 44 yards on 15 carries.

Donovan Woolen led the Bison with 10 tackles. Kelton McCaslin had four tackles and 1.5 sacks, and Darius Givance added five tackles. Jonavan Carr had five tackles and an interception for Jacksonville State.

North Dakota State is 1-0. Jacksonville State dropped to 0-1.