With Simon Romfo at Quarterback, NoDak Ready for Test against Iowa State

NODAK ANNOUNCED SIMON ROMFO AS THEIR WEEK ONE STARTER; NOW THE PREP STARTS FOR IOWA STATE.

GRAND FORKS, N.D. (KVRR)–Fall camp in Grand Forks began quite different than it has in the last few years. With Tommy Schuster transferring to Michigan State, North Dakota had a quarterback competition on their hands.

“We felt like they were competing for the spot, yet they were learning from each other and supporting each other,” said Head Coach Bubba Schweigert. “We felt Simon was the most consistent.”

On August 31, North Dakota will open their 2024 season in Ames, Iowa playing the Iowa State Cyclones. All throughout fall camp, North Dakota kept it coy regarding the quarterback battle, but ultimately placed Junior Simon Romfo as QB1.

Romfo says the battle was tough, but he is ready to go.
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“It was a lot of excitement, first off,” said Romfo. “I Could not really say much right away. Just a ton of excitement and really looking forward to it.”

Though Romfo is the week 1 starter, Coach Schweigert says he needs all quarterbacks ready to go at all times.

“Really proud of all the guys,” said Schweigert. ‘The entire group in that room. I know Coach Fuechte spent a lot of time with those guys and we need great depth at every position, but we really need it in that room. We need to have depth and have all those guys ready to go when called upon.”

Romfo understands that his job is not guaranteed every week.

“Starting week 1, but I obviously have to play well and have to keep playing well in practice too,” said Romfo. “You cannot ever let up. You just have to keep playing as well as you can.”

Playing on the big stage week one in Ames against a power conference team has the whole squad excited, but they are treating it like any other game.

“A lot of the guys are excited to, you know, put the pads on and finally hit somebody else other than your teammates,” said fifth year wide receiver Bo Belquist. “Personally, I would not want to start different than the way we are, you know, in a big game against a good opponent. Really kind of see where we are at.”

Coach Schweigert says the schedule make up his team has is what he is most excited about most. Following the week one match up on the road against Iowa State, UND will play their next five games in the state of North Dakota. Four of them in Grand Forks before a road game at NDSU on October 5.

“I think it is great for our program and great for this team,” said Schweigert. “We are excited about going down to Iowa State and being really challenged by a team from the Big 12. Then we return home for four in a row. I am really thankful for that. Playing at home you can dress more guys, get more guys involved in games and hopefully use your depth to your advantage. We have had some type of magic in [the Alerus Center] that really gets our guys playing well and feeling comfortable at home. We hope that continues.”

The week one match up in Ames, Iowa for North Dakota kicks off at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 31. The game will air on Fox Sports One.