Following the conclusion of the 2026 NFL Draft over the weekend, one more former North Dakota State Bison football player earned an opportunity with an NFL team. Per Draft Diamonds, a scouting consultant group, West Fargo Sheyenne graduate, Barika Kpeenu, has been invited to the Minnesota Vikings Rookie Mini Camp.
https://x.com/DraftDiamonds/status/2048372897752764670
Kpeenu played in 13 games during his Senior campaign in the 2025 season where he totaled 1,005 yards rushing on 191 carries, averaging 5.3 yards per carry with 20 touchdowns. Additionally, he caught 20 passes for 247 yards and one touchdown.
During his collegiate career with the Bison, Kpeenu played in 47 games where he totaled 2,283 yards rushing on 434 carries with32 touchdowns, averaging 5.3 yards per carry. He had 35 receptions for 369 yards with two touchdowns, averaging 10.5 yards per reception.
The five-foot-ten-inch, 213 pound ball carrier will attempt to impress during the Rookie Mini Camp for an opportunity at Training Camp this summer. If a Training Camp offer comes, Kpeenu would compete with current Vikings running backs Aaron Jone Sr., Jordan Mason, Zavier Scott, and Demond Claiborne.
