NDSU Announces Football Program Moving to FBS

University accepts invitation to join Mountain West Conference

Feb. 9, 2026 at 10:55am

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North Dakota State University has officially announced that its football program will be moving from the FCS level to the FBS level, accepting an invitation to join the Mountain West Conference starting this fall. The move comes after years of evaluation and planning and reflects NDSU's long-term strategy as a student-focused, land-grant, research university.

Why it matters

The transition to the FBS level and Mountain West Conference will allow NDSU to compete at the highest level of college football and expand its national profile and connections. It also aligns the university with peer institutions that share similar values and supports broader institutional priorities related to academic reputation, research growth, workforce partnerships, enrollment, and national engagement.

The details

NDSU's football program has been highly successful at the FCS level, winning multiple national championships. The move to the FBS level and Mountain West Conference will provide new challenges and opportunities for the program and university as a whole. Fans will also get to see FBS opponents come to Fargo to take on the Bison.

  • NDSU officially announced the move on February 9, 2026.
  • The football program will begin competing in the Mountain West Conference starting in the fall of 2026.

The players

David Cook

Outgoing President of North Dakota State University.

Matt Larsen

Director of Athletics at North Dakota State University.

Mountain West Conference

An NCAA Division I collegiate athletic conference that NDSU's football program will be joining.

North Dakota State University

A public research university located in Fargo, North Dakota that is transitioning its football program from the FCS to the FBS level.

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What they’re saying

“We've built something special here by being thoughtful, disciplined, and willing to take bold steps when the time is right. We've made a move like this before, and it strengthened our university in lasting ways. Joining the Mountain West builds on that legacy and reflects our confidence in the people, programs, and purpose that define NDSU. It allows us to extend our impact, expand our national connections, and create new opportunities for our students and community while staying true to our mission.”

— David Cook, Outgoing President

“Joining the Mountain West is an exciting new opportunity for the Bison to compete at the highest level and for fans to see FBS opponents coming to Fargo.”

— Matt Larsen, Director of Athletics

What’s next

The NDSU football team will begin competing in the Mountain West Conference starting in the fall of 2026 season.

The takeaway

NDSU's move to the FBS level and Mountain West Conference represents a significant milestone for the university, allowing it to compete at the highest level of college football while also aligning with peer institutions that share its values and priorities around academic reputation, research, and national engagement.