Projection
45.6
SP+ preseason
−1.8
Returning prod.
55%
Recruiting
19%
2026 season · live grade · as of 2026-09-08
Projection (frozen)
45.6
Playing like
53.7
Δ
+8.1
Δ grade
B
The live grade measures current in-season SP+ (Bill Connelly, via CFBD) against North Dakota State's frozen August projection of 45.6 — the same number that set the 2026 tier. Same mapping (score = 50 + SP+ × (50/35)) and the same A–F Δ bands as the 2025 grade below. It recomputes each week as SP+ updates; the projection and tier do not. Early in the season, in-season SP+ still leans heavily on its preseason priors, so most live grades start near C and drift as results accumulate.
2026 portal cycle
−0.52z
talent-weighted z-score
applied: −0.10 pts
Top gains
Top losses
Portal moves are weighted by recruiting stars, position (QB and skill positions weighted higher), and eligibility. Withdrawn entrants are excluded. The z-score is normalized across teams appearing in the 2026 portal cycle. See the full portal leaderboard →