North Dakota State football joins Mountain West Conference

The Bison bring a championship mindset and a bold vision for growth that aligns with the Mountain West's commitment to excellence.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The Mountain West Conference announced the addition of North Dakota State University's football program as a new member starting in the 2026 season. NDSU, a dominant FCS program, will compete as a football-only member and will not be eligible for the Mountain West Football Championship or bowl games until 2028.

Why it matters

This move represents a significant shift in the college football landscape, as the powerhouse NDSU program transitions from the FCS to the FBS level and the Mountain West Conference. It will elevate the profile of the Mountain West's football offerings and provide new opportunities for NDSU to compete against higher-level competition on a broader national stage.

The details

North Dakota State University, a public land-grant research institution located in Fargo, has won 10 of the last 15 FCS national championships and has a .900 win percentage over the past 15 seasons. The Bison have also had success against FBS opponents, posting a 9-5 all-time record. NDSU will play a full Mountain West schedule in 2026 as it begins its two-year transition process, but will not be eligible for the conference championship or postseason play until 2028.

  • The Mountain West Conference announced the addition of NDSU on February 9, 2026.
  • NDSU's football program will join the Mountain West as a football-only member beginning July 1, 2026.
  • The Bison will not be eligible for the Mountain West Football Championship Game or postseason play, including the College Football Playoff or a bowl game, until 2028.

The players

Gloria Nevarez

The Commissioner of the Mountain West Conference.

Matt Larsen

The Director of Athletics at North Dakota State University.

North Dakota State University

A public land-grant research institution located in Fargo, North Dakota that has won 10 of the last 15 FCS national championships.

Mountain West Conference

A collegiate athletic conference that has remained steadfast in its commitment to excellence in intercollegiate athletics while advancing the academic missions of its member institutions.

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What they’re saying

“We are thrilled to welcome North Dakota State University's football program to the Mountain West. The Bison bring a championship mindset and a bold vision for growth that aligns with the unwavering commitment to the excellence of the Mountain West. Their dedication to elevating the student‑athlete experience—on the field, in the classroom, and throughout the community—will energize the Mountain West and help propel our football profile to new heights nationwide.”

— Gloria Nevarez, Mountain West Commissioner (Mountain West Conference release)

“This is a historic day for NDSU Athletics. Our football program has earned this opportunity through the sustained success and leadership of our student-athletes and coaches past and present. Joining the Mountain West is an exciting new opportunity for our team to compete at the highest level, for our fans to see FBS opponents coming to Fargo, and for Bison football to reach a wider national audience through expanded television coverage.”

— Matt Larsen, NDSU Director of Athletics (Mountain West Conference release)

What’s next

The Mountain West has begun rebuilding its football opponent matrix to include North Dakota State, and the 2026 schedule is expected to be announced within the coming weeks.

The takeaway

This move represents a significant milestone for both North Dakota State's football program and the Mountain West Conference. The Bison's championship pedigree and success against FBS opponents will elevate the conference's football profile, while providing NDSU with the opportunity to compete at the highest level of college football and reach a wider national audience.