North Dakota State Joins Mountain West Conference for Football in 2026

The move comes as the Bison look to elevate their football program to a higher level of competition.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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North Dakota State University has announced that its football team will join the Mountain West Conference starting in the 2026 season. The Bison, who have been a dominant force in the FCS ranks, are seeking a new challenge and believe the move to the Mountain West will help them take their program to new heights.

Why it matters

This is a significant move for North Dakota State, as the Mountain West is considered one of the top Group of 5 conferences in college football. The Bison have won 9 FCS national championships since 2011 and are looking to test themselves against stiffer competition at the FBS level.

The details

According to sources, North Dakota State has reached an agreement to join the Mountain West Conference for football starting in the 2026 season. The Bison have been a powerhouse in the FCS, but believe the time is right to make the jump to the FBS level and compete against schools with larger budgets and more resources. The move will likely provide North Dakota State with better exposure and the opportunity to play in higher-profile bowl games.

  • North Dakota State will join the Mountain West Conference for football in 2026.

The players

North Dakota State University

A public research university located in Fargo, North Dakota, known for its dominant FCS football program.

Mountain West Conference

A NCAA Division I collegiate athletic conference that is considered one of the top Group of 5 conferences in college football.

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What’s next

The move will need to be formally approved by the Mountain West Conference, but sources indicate that is expected to be a formality. North Dakota State will spend the next few seasons preparing for the transition to the FBS level.

The takeaway

This decision by North Dakota State represents an ambitious move to elevate its football program to a higher level of competition. The Bison have been a dominant force in the FCS, but believe they are ready to test themselves against the best Group of 5 programs in the country as part of the Mountain West Conference.