North Dakota State University Football Joins Mountain West Conference

NDSU accepts invitation to become a football-only member of the Mountain West Conference starting in 2026 season.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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North Dakota State University (NDSU) has officially announced that its football program will be joining the Mountain West Conference (MWC) as a football-only member starting in the 2026 season. The move comes after sustained success for the NDSU football team and reflects the university's desire to expand its national reach and exposure.

Why it matters

This is a significant move for NDSU athletics, as joining the MWC will allow the Bison football team to compete at the highest level of FBS competition and gain more national exposure through expanded television coverage. The move also aligns with NDSU's mission to elevate the student-athlete experience and create new opportunities for the university and local community.

The details

NDSU President David Cook stated that joining the Mountain West 'builds on [NDSU's] legacy and reflects [their] confidence in the people, programs, and purpose that define NDSU.' NDSU Athletic Director Matt Larsen added that this is a 'historic day' that will allow the Bison football team to 'compete at the highest level' and reach a 'wider national audience.' Mountain West Commissioner Gloria Nevarez expressed excitement to welcome NDSU's 'championship mindset and bold vision for growth' to the conference.

  • NDSU made the formal announcement on February 9, 2026.
  • NDSU will begin competing as a football-only member of the Mountain West Conference starting in the 2026 season.

The players

David Cook

The 15th president of North Dakota State University.

Matt Larsen

The Director of Athletics at North Dakota State University.

Gloria Nevarez

The Commissioner of the Mountain West Conference.

Tim Polasek

The head coach of the North Dakota State University football team.

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What they’re saying

“This is a proud moment for NDSU. 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, President, North Dakota State University (am1100theflag.com)

“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, Director of Athletics, North Dakota State University (am1100theflag.com)

“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, Commissioner, Mountain West Conference (am1100theflag.com)

What’s next

There will be a press conference featuring NDSU Athletic Director Matt Larsen, head coach Tim Polasek, and others beginning at 2 p.m. on the day of the announcement. Local radio station WDAY Radio will provide full coverage of the press conference starting at 1:30 p.m.

The takeaway

NDSU's move to the Mountain West Conference represents a significant milestone for the university's athletics program, as it will allow the Bison football team to compete at the highest level of FBS competition and gain greater national exposure. This transition aligns with NDSU's mission to elevate the student-athlete experience and create new opportunities for the university and local community.