Kody Huisman: From Fargo to Blacksburg – A New Hokie Force in the Trenches
In a move that sent ripples across the college football transfer landscape, former North Dakota State University defensive lineman Kody Huisman has officially committed to Virginia Tech. The 6-foot-3, 295-pound wrecking ball out of Pella, Iowa, brings grit, tenacity, and championship pedigree to a Hokies defense in search of dominance.
Huisman, who spent three seasons developing into a trench warrior at FCS powerhouse NDSU, carved out a name for himself as a relentless interior force. His ability to plug gaps, absorb double teams, and explode into the backfield made him a cornerstone of the Bison defense. In 2024, he tallied 38 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, and 4 sacks, earning All-Missouri Valley honorable mention honors. But the hunger for greater challenges and national exposure led him to enter the transfer portal with purpose.
Virginia Tech head coach Brent Pry, a defensive mind with a keen eye for raw, system-fit talent, moved quickly once Huisman’s name surfaced. “Kody’s motor doesn’t stop. He’s built for ACC football—blue-collar, high-IQ, violent off the snap,” Pry said in a statement. “He’s going to raise the standard in that room immediately.”
Huisman visited Blacksburg earlier this month and was taken by the family atmosphere and the team’s vision for the future. “It felt right,” Huisman said. “The culture, the energy, the way they play defense—it reminded me of NDSU but on a bigger stage. I want to be part of that growth and leave my mark.”
The Hokies are undergoing a resurgence under Pry, and Huisman’s arrival is timely. With several defensive line departures and youth across the front, he’s poised to step in as a veteran presence. His experience in a disciplined, championship-driven program is expected to transfer seamlessly into Virginia Tech’s rugged defensive scheme.
What makes Huisman particularly dangerous is his versatility. At NDSU, he played both nose tackle and 3-tech, demonstrating nimble feet and hand technique that belied his size. Virginia Tech plans to use him similarly, anchoring against the run while creating interior disruption on passing downs.
In the weight room, Huisman is a beast. Reports say he benches over 400 pounds and squats north of 600, with teammates often describing him as “country strong.” But it’s not just the numbers—his football IQ, film study habits, and leadership drew praise from NDSU coaches who called him “a coach on the field.”
As he begins this new chapter in the ACC, Hokie Nation has reason to be excited. Kody Huisman isn’t just a transfer—he’s a tone-setter. With a chip on his shoulder and something to prove at the Power Five level, don’t be surprised if he becomes a key piece in Virginia Tech’s return to defensive dominance. Blacksburg just got a little nastier up front—and that’s exactly what Pry wanted.
