Barika Kpeenu is a running back and 2026 NFL Draft prospect who played his entire collegiate career with the North Dakota State Bison. A native of West Fargo, North Dakota, Kpeenu committed to the Bison program and enrolled in 2021, redshirting his first season before gradually working his way into the rotation over the next two years. He began earning more consistent carries in 2023 and 2024, contributing to NDSU's 2024 FCS National Championship team before emerging as the program's featured back in his final season. In 2025, Kpeenu started all 13 games, rushed for 1,005 yards and 20 touchdowns on 191 carries, averaging 5.3 yards per carry, and added 20 receptions for 247 yards. His 20 rushing touchdowns were the most by an NDSU back since 2014, ranked fourth in the entire FCS, and earned him First-Team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference honors. Over his career, Kpeenu appeared in 47 games, carrying the ball 434 times for 2,283 rushing yards and 32 rushing touchdowns while adding 35 receptions for 369 yards.
Standing 5-10 and 213 pounds, Kpeenu is a compact, downhill runner who relies on patience, decisive cuts, and contact balance to generate yards. He plays with strong pad level and a clear willingness to run through arm tackles, excelling in short-yardage and goal-line situations where his powerful lower body and leg drive are most evident. His finishing ability near the end zone, evident in his prolific touchdown production, has drawn interest from NFL evaluators alongside his receiving ability and pass protection improvement throughout college. His path from FCS run-by-committee to featured workhorse and all-star game invitee gives him a foundation to compete for a depth role or developmental roster spot, with his best fit in a power or gap scheme that can maximize his physical running style at the next level.
