AP photo North Dakota State quarterback Trey Lance (5) runs past Central Arkansas defensive lineman Jalen Bedell (55) for a first down in the second quarter of an NCAA football game Saturday. Lance announced on Tuesday that he will forgo his final seasons at NDSU and declare for the 2021 NFL draft.

MARSHALL — On Saturday afternoon, Trey Lance had his sights locked in to getting another win for the North Dakota State University football program in their only fall appearance. Now, he’s ready to head to the next level.

Three days after leading the Bison to a 39-28 victory against Central Arkansas at the Fargo Dome, Lance officially declared on Tuesday evening to forgo his final two-plus seasons at NDSU and enter the 2021 NFL draft. The news was first reported by Pete Thamel after a phone interview done with Yahoo Sports. Lance later shared a video and a graphic of his decision.

“I wanted nothing more than to battle with my brothers this Fall and bring home another National Championship to North Dakota State, but I’m thankful for the one opportunity that we had as a team in 2020,” Lance said on his Twitter account. “I’m also extremely grateful to everyone who has helped me make it to this point.”

Lance added, “After an amazing experience here at North Dakota State University, it is time for me to begin my next chapter. I am excited to announce that I will be taking the next step in chasing my dreams and will be declaring for the 2021 NFL draft.”

While NDSU will play a season in the spring, the Marshall native Lance will prepare for the upcoming draft, where he is a projected first-round selection. As a redshirt freshman last year, Lance started under center for the Bison and had a record-breaking season. He completed 66.9% of his passes (including setting a NCAA record for pass attempts without an interception at 287) while throwing for 2,786 yards and 28 touchdowns and added 169 carries on the ground for 1,100 yards and 14 touchdowns. He also set the single-season school record for passing efficiency (180.6) and total offense (3,886) and helped guide NDSU to its third consecutive Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) National Championship and eighth in nine years.

Lance also was named the most outstanding player in their 28-20 victory over James Madison during the FCS title game in January, capping an undefeated season. He was named the top offensive player in the FCS (Walter Payton Award) and the top freshman (Jerry Rice Award).

In their only game of the fall on Saturday, Lance was instrumental in leading the comeback effort against Central Arkansas. He completed 15 of his 30 passes for 149 yards and threw two touchdowns. On the ground, he used 15 carries to record 143 rushing yards and two more scores.

Lance praised his coaches, teammates, family and his faith in the video of his decision, thanking them for their incredible support and for pushing him each and every day.

“To my current and former coaches here at North Dakota State – I cannot thank you enough for believing in me and I am forever grateful for the opportunity to play for this great University. To my teammates – thank you for always having my back. You are my best friends and brothers and I would not be in this position without you and I love each and every one of you. To Bison Nation – thank you for accepting me for who I am and for supporting our team throughout this incredible ride. I will always cherish my time here and words cannot describe the blessing it was to be a part of bringing a National Championship home to you,” Lance said. “To my family – thank you for your unconditional love and support, through all of the ups and downs. Thank you to my brother, Bryce, for being with me every step of the way and always pushing me to be the best version of myself. Lastly, I want to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Without him, none of this is possible; God blessed me with the ability to play football and the opportunity to be a part of something bigger than myself. Once a Bison, Always a Bison.”

The 2021 NFL draft is scheduled for April 29-May 1 in Cleveland, Ohio.