Bryce ranks eighth in the FCS in receiving yards to date this season with 1,001 yards, leading the Missouri Valley Conference [MVC]. He’s been particularly effective as a deep-ball threat, averaging 20 yards per reception this season to rank second in the MVC. His four touchdowns also rank fourth in the conference and top-25 nationally.

Lance helped the Bison win the Missouri Valley Conference with a perfect 12-0 record on the season, earning the top seed in the FCS playoffs. The win marks the Bison’s 12th MVC championship overall — all of which have come since 2011 — and seventh outright title since joining the MVC in 2008. NDSU has won a total of 39 conference titles, including 16 in the North Central Conference and one in the Great West Conference, both of which have since become defunct.

Lance capped off the regular season with a 106-yard, two-touchdown performance against St. Thomas.

Already the career yards leader at North Dakota State, Lance finished last season third in program single-season history with 1,071 yards. He would need another 191 receiving yards to break Zach Vraa’s single-season record this year, a record that has stood since 2013.

Photo by Jake Pryztsarski: Bryce Lance looks to get past a Jordan defender during their Section 2AAAA tournament game on Nov. 19, 2020.

The Bison head into this year’s playoffs as the top seed with the opportunity to repeat as champions after defeating Montana State 35-32 in last year’s championship game. Lance recorded 108 yards and a touchdown on nine catches last year, accounting for more than half of the Bison’s receiving yardage.

Lance will return to action on Dec. 6 at noon, hosting the winner of Southeastern Louisiana and Illinois State.

Bryce Lance was the Independent’s Player of the Year during his senior season at Marshall High School in 2020. He caught 30 passes for 634 yards and eight touchdowns in seven games, leading Marshall to a 5-2 record. He also came down with six interceptions, including a pick-6 in the postseason, and was named to the Minnesota AP First-Team All-State roster.

After winning the Independent Player of the Year award in 2020, Lance said to the Independent’s Jake Pryztarski that his goal in Fargo was to win national championships. With one already under his belt, he’ll look to add to that total this year.

Trey Lance threw for 2,786 yards and 28 touchdowns without an interception when he won the award as a junior in 2019, also rushing for 1,100 yards and 14 touchdowns while leading the Bison to an undefeated national championship. Trey went on to be drafted third overall by the San Francisco 49ers and is currently rostered as a backup quarterback for the Los Angeles Chargers.