Barika Kpeenu Sets Sights on NFL After Standout Career at NDSU

From West Fargo to the next level, the Bison running back chases his NFL dream.

FARGO (KVRR) – Barika Kpeenu’s football journey began at West Fargo Sheyenne High School, where he was a three-year starter. In his senior season, Kpeenu was named EDC Senior Athlete of the Year after rushing for more than 1,000 yards and scoring 13 touchdowns.

The standout running back chose to stay home and play for North Dakota State, a decision that paid off. This past season, Kpeenu thrived for the Bison, totaling over 1,000 rushing yards and finishing tied for fourth in the FCS with 20 touchdowns.

Now a First Team All–Missouri Valley Football Conference selection, Kpeenu has his sights set on the next level and is working daily to achieve his NFL dreams.

“My goal is, whoever decides to take a chance on me, not to let them regret it,” said Kpeenu. “It doesn’t matter if I get drafted or don’t get drafted. I don’t really pay too much attention to that. Everything’s in God’s hands. What I can control is how I go about the game—my attitude and how much effort I put into it.”

Recently, Kpeenu participated in the American Bowl, a postseason all-star showcase for NFL hopefuls. The event gave him an opportunity to compete in front of scouts while receiving high-level coaching.

“Oh, it was a great experience, for sure,” said Kpeenu. “It’s crazy to meet all the other NFL prospects and see how they’re doing. They have the exact same dreams as you. They’re in the exact same place and want to get to the exact same goal—making a roster. The practices and everything like that were so competitive. That’s an awesome environment.”

Kpeenu added, “I’ve been in environments like that during my time at NDSU, but this was definitely special. Being a part of it was awesome.”

With several former Bison currently in the NFL—and two heading to the Super Bowl in February with the Seattle Seahawks (Jalen Sundell and Grey Zabel) —the NDSU pedigree continues to reinforce the belief that making an NFL roster is an attainable goal.

“Some guys have been through NDSU or have some relation to it,” said Kpeenu. “It shows that anywhere, especially at NDSU, where so many guys have gone into the league and had so much success, you feel like you can do that too.”

As Kpeenu continues to chase his ultimate goal, he credits his roots in West Fargo and his time at NDSU for helping shape the player, and person, he is today.

“It’s been such a motivation,” said Kpeenu. “All the people who have supported me throughout this whole journey—I’ve reflected on everything. My time at NDSU, I wouldn’t have done it anywhere else. I’m so glad I stayed local and had my family and friends able to watch whenever they could. Having those people behind you, cheering you on, keeps you going. You don’t want to let them down.”

The NFL Draft is slated for April 23-25, 2026 in Pittsburgh.