FORT TOTEN — Marial Deng is officially a Fighting Hawk.

The Four Winds senior, a native of Tokio, N.D., finalized his signing with the UND football program Wednesday. He posed for pictures alongside friends, family and coaches in his home gym.

“It’s very exciting,” Deng said. “I’ve always wanted to play Division I, and now that I’m officially signed, it’s exciting.”

Dec. 3 was the start of college football’s early signing period for the 2026 recruiting class. Deng was one of 27 commits expected to sign with UND in an unofficial list compiled by Tom Miller of the Grand Forks Herald. Deng is one of only two in-state commits on the list, with the other being Central Cass’s Aiden Wunderlich.

“When you finally get to that day where you get to sign that paper, it’s always exciting,” Four Win

See Full Page