North Dakota State Joins Mountain West: Bison Move to FBS Football in 2026

North Dakota State University (NDSU) will be joining the Mountain West Conference for football, marking a significant shift for the perennial Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) powerhouse. The move, announced Monday, will take effect on July 1st, coinciding with Northern Illinois’ departure from the Mid-American Conference.

A Championship Pedigree Moves Up

NDSU has dominated the FCS level, securing 10 of the last 15 championships. Their recent performance includes a 12-1 record in 2025, with their playoff run ending in a narrow 29-28 loss to Illinois State, the eventual runner-up. The Bison have a 9-5 all-time record against teams from the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS).

Did You Know? NDSU won eight NCAA Division II football titles before transitioning all of its athletic teams to Division I in 2004.

Mountain West Reconfiguration

The addition of NDSU will bring the Mountain West’s football membership to an even 10 teams starting in 2026. Other changes include Texas-El Paso and Hawaii becoming full members for all sports beginning in the 2026-27 school year. UC Davis will join for all sports except football, as will Grand Canyon University, which does not have a football programme.

Conference Shifts and Legal Battles

This realignment follows a larger trend within college athletics. Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State, and Utah State are departing the Mountain West for the rebuilt Pac-12 starting in 2026-27, a move that has led to legal disputes over exit fees between the two conferences.

Expert Insight: The movement of programmes like North Dakota State and the ensuing conference realignments demonstrate the ongoing pursuit of competitive stability and increased visibility within college football. These shifts often involve complex financial considerations and legal challenges as conferences attempt to secure their future.

NDSU is expected to pay approximately $12 million to the Mountain West and $5 million to the NCAA as part of the transition, according to reports citing unnamed sources. While NDSU will immediately participate in an eight-game conference schedule, they will not be eligible for the Mountain West championship game or the College Football Playoff until the 2028 season.

Impact on Rivalries and Future Play

The move could impact long-standing rivalries, such as the Dakota Marker Trophy game against South Dakota State, which has been played since 2004. NDSU will continue to compete in the Summit League for sports other than football, where they previously spent 18 seasons in the Missouri Valley Football Conference, winning 12 titles.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will North Dakota State be eligible for the Mountain West Championship?

North Dakota State will not be eligible for the Mountain West title game or the College Football Playoff until the 2028 season.

Which teams are leaving the Mountain West for the Pac-12?

Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State, and Utah State are departing the Mountain West for the Pac-12 starting in 2026-27.

Will North Dakota State continue to compete in other sports within the Summit League?

Yes, North Dakota State will remain in the Summit League for all sports other than football.

How will these ongoing conference shifts ultimately reshape the landscape of college football competition?