2 weeks Ago By Dom Izzo
FARGO — The brotherly connection that North Dakota State football has enjoyed over the last decade helped out again for its latest recruiting commitment. Holy Angels (MN.) defensive end Daniel Devine announced Sunday, April 20 that he has committed to the Bison, becoming the fifth member of the 2026 recruiting class.
ADVERTISEMENT Devine is 6-foot-4, 230-pounds and is the younger brother of Damian, who signed with NDSU in February as part of the 2025 class. “My brother being in a Fargo played a big role in my decision,” Daniel said. “Continuing to play with Damian is an opportunity that I want to take advantage of.
” 1000% COMMITTED!!️!!️ @CoachTimNDSU @CoachGrantOlson @CoachLJ38 @AHA_Football pic.twitter.com/MklFkLiDNm Daniel had four scholarship offers, NDSU, South Dakota State, Kent State and Cornell.
The Bison offered Devine on Jan. 25, he made a gameday visit last November to Fargo. His recruitment was starting to heat up as SDSU offered him last week.
Power Four schools Minnesota, Kansas State and Northwestern had checked in on Devine through the winter, with the Gophers inviting him to their Junior Day. “One thing that is important to me is playing where the fans and community are bought in,” Devine said. “I first visited NDSU on a game day in the fall and really enjoyed the experience.
I later came back for a junior day and spring practice which I got to see the intensity and passion that NDSU operates with.” NDSU defensive coordinator Grant Olson has put in plenty of time with the Devine family; he was at a Holy Angels basketball game in January shortly before Damian committed. Damian had originally committed to Villanova, then switched to the Bison right before the late signing period opened in February.
Thank you @CoachGrantOlson for coming and watching me and @danieldevine_7 get the win tonight! @AHABoysBball @NDSUfootball pic.twitter.com/fdT95Z5hJ4 “What sold me on NDSU is the people, coaches and tradition,” Devine said.
“NDSU has a rich tradition of success and my relationships with the coaching staff are great. The people and culture at NDSU make it feel like something I want to be a part of.” Devine is slightly bigger than his older brother; going through a growth spurt prior to his junior season.
He shot up recruiting boards in the state of Minnesota, as he grew an inch and gained 20 pounds. He racked up 40 tackles in 2024, 13 for loss. Devine added two fumble recoveries and a 90-yard interception return for a touchdown against Minneapolis Roosevelt.
ADVERTISEMENT Holy Angels plays in Class 4A in Minnesota, the Stars won Section 5 last year, reaching the state tournament before falling to Benilde-St. Margaret’s. They finished with a 7-4 record in 2024.
The Devine brothers will mark the latest in a long line of brother combinations to come to Fargo. From the Volsons, Mostaerts, Hofstedts, Zabels and Lances, NDSU has been able to tap into a family and keep that connection. There are three sets of siblings on the 2025 roster, RaJa and Najee Nelson, Nate and Brett Tastad and Barika and Barry Kpeenu.
Devine is the second commitment for the 2026 class out of Minnesota, joining Pillager’s Earl Brown. He’s the second defensive line prospect, along with Wisconsin’s Zach Hellendrung. With the commitment of Devine, NDSU is nearly one-third of the way done with its 2026 recruiting class.
The Bison have just 14 seniors for this upcoming year, with two portal departures in Enock Sibomana and Kody Huisman. It remains to be seen how NDSU will use the open scholarship money, either in the portal or with recruiting..
