North Dakota State Football: Joining Mountain West in 2026

North Dakota State University (NDSU) is set to join the Mountain West Conference and elevate its football programme to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) level beginning with the 2026 season. This move marks a significant shift for the Bison, a dominant force in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS).

A New Era for NDSU Football

NDSU has established an extraordinary record in the FCS, securing 10 national championships since 2011, including the 2024 title. The decision to move to the FBS comes with financial commitments, as NDSU is expected to contribute over $10 million to join the Mountain West, alongside a $5 million NCAA fee associated with the transition. This will bring the total number of NCAA members to 137.

Did You Know? NDSU football has a 9-5 record against FBS opponents since 2004, including victories over Iowa, Iowa State, and Minnesota.

The Shifting Landscape of the Mountain West

The Mountain West Conference itself is undergoing substantial changes. Several teams – Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State, and Utah State – are departing for the rebuilt Pac-12 this summer. To counter this, the Mountain West is adding UTEP, Northern Illinois, Grand Canyon, and UC Davis. With NDSU’s addition, the conference will consist of 10 football-playing members: Air Force, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico, San Jose State, UNLV, Wyoming, UTEP, Northern Illinois, and NDSU.

The conference is also currently involved in a legal dispute with the Pac-12 regarding $150 million in exit and poaching fees.

What Lies Ahead for the Bison

NDSU’s decision follows a trend of successful FCS programs making the jump to the FBS, such as Appalachian State, James Madison, and Sam Houston. While the move means leaving behind established rivalries with teams like South Dakota State and North Dakota, and the opportunity to compete for FCS championships, it also presents new challenges and opportunities. Some NDSU fans have expressed a desire for more competitive games, and the Group of 6 conferences now guarantee at least one spot in the College Football Playoff for the next six years.

Expert Insight: The move to FBS represents a calculated risk for NDSU. While the financial and competitive hurdles are significant, the potential for increased exposure and access to the College Football Playoff could be transformative for the programme. The success of James Madison in reaching the College Football Playoff after transitioning from FCS demonstrates that this path can lead to national prominence.

However, the transition won’t be immediate. NDSU will be ineligible for bowl games for the next two seasons, unless a shortage of eligible teams creates an opening. The Mountain West may also choose not to allow NDSU to compete for the conference championship in its initial years, as seen with James Madison in the Sun Belt Conference.

The Mountain West recently finalized a new television deal with Fox Sports, CBS Sports, and The CW, spanning from fall 2026 to summer 2032.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is NDSU moving to the FBS?

NDSU has long considered moving to the FBS, especially as other FCS rivals have made the transition. Some fans also expressed a desire for more challenging competition than consistently available in the FCS.

What impact will this have on the Mountain West Conference?

The addition of NDSU will bring the Mountain West’s total number of football-playing members to 10, helping to stabilize the conference following the departure of several teams to the Pac-12.

Will NDSU be immediately competitive in the Mountain West?

Recent history suggests NDSU is likely to compete for the league title, similar to how Appalachian State and James Madison performed after moving to the Sun Belt. However, they will be ineligible for bowl games for two seasons and may not be eligible for the conference championship game initially.

As NDSU prepares for this significant transition, what impact do you foresee this having on the landscape of college football?