2024 Team Preview: Buffalo Bison

The Buffalo Bison enjoyed a solid resurgence in 2023, with the football team earning their first winning record since 2018, and would win the Metro-Maroon division with a 5-4 record. One of the biggest reasons for the team's improvement last season was thanks to the discovery and performances of several big-name players on the roster, including athletes that have been considered among the very best football recruits coming out of Minnesota over the next few classes. The Bison will hope that these standouts will lean further into the momentum they are building and turn the team back into a state contender. Here are some of the stars of the 2024 Buffalo Bison football team!    We start our preview with none other than the top OL prospect in Minnesota for the class of 2025, [player_tooltip player_id='918768' first='Ryan' last='Babatz']. He has been the cornerstone of what has been one of the best O-lines in the state. Babatz showed great mobility, robust strength, and astute hand-placement, and he's constantly winning his matchups. Babatz will wreck through the second and third levels of defense to make key blocks downfield. His confidence in his abilities grew throughout his junior year, and his dedication toward success and improvement has been clearly evident. Babatz has received 13 D1 offers and has already committed to play for North Dakota State, going from one Bison team to another. Babatz has already accomplished a lot, and hopefully he will aim higher in 2024 to help Buffalo to a state title.     On the other side of the trenches, Buffalo has uncovered another highly-coveted prospect in [player_tooltip player_id='445957' first='Hans' last='Pederson']. Pederson played in a limited role during his freshman year, but bulked up a ton during the offseason. This physical growth parlayed onto the field as Pederson recorded 28 tackles, 12 TFLs, and a fumble recovery last season. The first thing that struck me was how incredibly fast he's been off the snap and how quickly he gets into the backfield. His pursuit has been relentless, and he reads option plays well. He works well against blockers, especially well pursuing the outside-shoulder, and is able to bat down passes. Pederson has appeared this offseason in numerous D1 prospect camps, including Oklahoma, Nebraska, Iowa State, Iowa, Kansas State, Kansas, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. Entering his junior year, Pederson is already one of the very best pass-rushers in the state, and could propel himself by the end of 2024 as the top overall prospect in Minnesota for the class of 2026.     [player_tooltip player_id='348778' first='Kallen' last='Prell'] has been a stud on the Bison O-line. Standing at 6'3 and 240 lbs, Prell has been one of Buffalo's most versatile blockers, playing both Guard positions. Prell has been effective with jamming defenders and continuing to attack until the whistle is blown. Prell does a good job of preventing pass-rushers from getting inside the gaps and is not afraid to run down-the-field to make a key block. Prell has received looks from several D2 schools, including Augustana, Concordia, and Minnesota State-Moorhead. Prell should remain an effective swing blocker heading into his senior year.     [player_tooltip player_id='1201408' first='Grant' last='Benson'] was the 3rd string QB for the Bison last season, but will be propelled into the starting job heading into his senior year with previous starters Kyler Kelvie and Grady Guida both having graduated. Benson thrived as the JV starter last season. Benson has excellent pocket presence, and can throw dimes even with defenders getting right at his face. Benson also does well at tucking the ball and running down the field, and he's not afraid to lower the shoulder to gain extra yards. Benson's mechanics continue to grow heading into this season, and with the tools around him, Benson could have a monster-senior year.     Silas Presteng has established himself as a reliable weapon for the Bison's special teams group. Presteng finished last season 23/26 on PAT's and made his lone field goal attempt last season (28 yards). Presteng shows solid power and great arc in his kicks in both his extra points and on kickoffs, and I believe that Buffalo should give Presteng some more opportunities to convert points from longer ranges this season. Presteng currently has not been offered, and has received an invite from Concordia-Moorhead. If Presteng remains reliable and gets more opportunities to convert points in 2024, Presteng should receive much more attention for his efforts.     [player_tooltip player_id='362306' first='Caleb' last='Johnson'] played well in limited roles in his sophomore year, but surged as a standout playing at Safety in 2023. Johnson had a productive junior season, finishing with 40 tackles, 5 passes defended, and 3 INTs. Johnson also served as Buffalo's primary Punter, averaging 25.7 yards on 15 punts. Johnson made it difficult for receivers to make plays thanks to his pursuit and jump-ball skills. Johnson is also a solid run-stopper, and can be relied on well as the last line of defense when an opposing ball-carrier breaks a big run. Johnson plays with fluidity and aggression attacking both sides of the field, and he should remain a valuable asset for the team heading into his senior year.     Noah Wittke was in a crowded backfield last season with Buffalo, but finished with 200 yards and a touchdown, averaging 4.2 yards per carry. Wittke was also reliable as a screen option, with 12 receptions for 123 yards. Wittke's has a solid frame with very strong legs, and possess decent speed. He attacks the gaps very well and cuts very well toward both lanes to get big carries. Wittke ranked 4th in rushing yards last season on the team, but with all 3 of the team's leading rushers graduating, Wittke is due for a huge uptick in carries, and could be a breakout star in 2024.

The Buffalo Bison enjoyed a solid resurgence in 2023, with the football team earning their first winning record since 2018, and would win the Metro-Maroon division with a 5-4 record. One of the biggest reasons for the team's improvement last season was thanks to the discovery and performances of several big-name players on the roster, including athletes that have been considered among the very best football recruits coming out of Minnesota over the next few classes. The Bison will hope that these standouts will lean further into the momentum they are building and turn the team back into a state contender. Here are some of the stars of the 2024 Buffalo Bison football team!