NDSU Football Eyes Mountain West Move

North Dakota State University's powerhouse football program could join the FBS Mountain West Conference as soon as this weekend.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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NDSU football is in negotiations to join the Mountain West Conference as a football-only member, which would see the Bison move up from the FCS to the FBS level. The two sides are working out the entry fee, which could be up to eight figures, in addition to a $5 million NCAA fee. If a deal is reached, NDSU would join the Mountain West before the upcoming fall season, becoming the 10th team in the conference.

Why it matters

NDSU's football program is one of the most successful in FCS history, winning 10 national championships since 2011. Moving up to the FBS level and joining the Mountain West would provide the Bison greater exposure and a path to compete at the highest level of college football.

The details

The Mountain West is serious about adding NDSU, and the two sides are currently negotiating the entry fee. If a deal is reached, NDSU would pay up to eight figures to join the conference, in addition to a $5 million NCAA fee. The Bison would then join the Mountain West before the upcoming fall season, becoming the 10th team in the conference.

  • The negotiations between NDSU and the Mountain West are ongoing and could be finalized as soon as this weekend.
  • If a deal is reached, NDSU would join the Mountain West before the start of the 2026 college football season.

The players

NDSU

North Dakota State University, a public research university and the most successful FCS football program in recent history.

Mountain West Conference

An NCAA Division I conference that currently has 11 member institutions, primarily located in the Western United States.

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What’s next

If a deal is reached, the judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow NDSU to join the Mountain West Conference before the upcoming fall season.

The takeaway

NDSU's potential move to the FBS and the Mountain West Conference would be a significant milestone for the Bison's football program, providing them with greater exposure and a path to compete at the highest level of college football.