Apr. 1—GRAND FORKS — The UND football program's first commitment of the 2026 recruiting class
was a quarterback out of Wisconsin.
The Fighting Hawks stayed in the Badger State for the second commitment, too.
George Rohl, a 6-foot-7, 230-pound tight end from Ellsworth, Wis., gave his verbal commitment over the weekend as first-year coach Eric Schmidt puts together his first prep recruiting class.
Ellsworth is on the western edge of Wisconsin about 40 minutes from the Twin Cities. The high school plays at the Division 4 level in Wisconsin.
"I was in calls with everyone and having visits here and there, some gameday visits to the Big Ten," Rohl said of the recruiting process. "I wasn't getting a whole lot of personal relationships until (UND assistant Gordie Haug) came to my school. We actually both like to do art, so that was a cool, unique relationship there and we kept in contact.
"They were super consistent and asking me how I'm doing and in my ear for the whole process compared to other schools. North Dakota just kept doing the right things and they were the best communicating team. When I went there, it felt like home and everyone wanted me to be there.
"It was just the people, honestly. The people on the staff and the players and how easy it was to get to know people. The feeling you get when the people want you to be there and build relationships outside of football was the biggest thing."
In 2024, Rohl had 22 catches for 222 yards as he battled an injury that cost him two full games. As a junior, he had 23 catches for 284 yards. As a sophomore, he had 17 catches for 330 yards and three touchdowns.
Rohl said he got healthier as the 2024 season progressed and saw no injury impacts during his high school basketball season. He plays on the AAU basketball circuit in the spring, as well.
Rohl said his skill set is balanced as a tight end.
"Blocking is just as fun as catching a touchdown," he said. "I love blocking guys and contact but also love catching passes."
Rohl said he's itching to get started in Grand Forks.
"I wish I could start now," he said. "I'm just ready to enjoy my senior year and get my body ready to play, even though I have to wait."
