North Dakota State Jumps to FBS, Joins Mountain West

10-time FCS champion Bison to compete in revamped conference starting in 2026

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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North Dakota State University, a perennial powerhouse in the FCS with 10 championships in the last 15 years, will move up to the FBS level and join the Mountain West Conference for football starting in the 2026 season. The Bison, who have a 9-5 all-time record against FBS opponents, will provide the revamped Mountain West with an even 10 members for football.

Why it matters

NDSU's move to the FBS and Mountain West represents a significant shift in the college football landscape, as the Bison bring a championship pedigree and loyal fan base to the revamped conference. The transition will require a major financial investment, but NDSU believes it can maintain its winning ways at the higher level of competition.

The details

NDSU must pay a $5 million reclassification fee to the NCAA and a $12.5 million entry fee to the Mountain West, which will be privately funded. The program will also need more scholarships, staff, and larger travel and recruiting budgets. While NDSU won't be able to fully access conference or College Football Playoff revenue until 2032, the university has a strong base of support in the Fargo area and a proud alumni network across the region.

  • NDSU's move to the FBS and Mountain West will take effect on July 1, 2026.
  • NDSU went 12-1 in 2025, losing in the second round of the FCS playoffs.

The players

North Dakota State University

A perennial power in the FCS, winning 10 of the last 15 championships. NDSU has a 9-5 all-time record against FBS opponents.

Mountain West Conference

The revamped conference that NDSU will join for football starting in 2026, giving the league an even 10 members.

Rick Berg

Interim president of North Dakota State University.

Matt Larsen

Athletic director of North Dakota State University.

Gloria Nevarez

Commissioner of the Mountain West Conference.

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What they’re saying

“'One of the concerns was, 'Will NDSU be competitive?' I think we will. Unlike others, we've been preparing for this moment for years and years, and I think they're going to be surprised when NDSU hits the Mountain West.'”

— Rick Berg, Interim President, North Dakota State University (nbcsports.com)

“'There's going to be an increase, and it's going to be a significant increase, but we'll get it to a level where we can compete based on dollars in Fargo, North Dakota.'”

— Matt Larsen, Athletic Director, North Dakota State University (nbcsports.com)

“'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 (nbcsports.com)

What’s next

NDSU will immediately play a full eight-game conference schedule in the Mountain West, but will not be eligible for the conference title game or the College Football Playoff until the 2028 season.

The takeaway

NDSU's move to the FBS and Mountain West represents a significant shift in the college football landscape, as the Bison bring a championship pedigree and loyal fan base to the revamped conference. The transition will require a major financial investment, but NDSU believes it can maintain its winning ways at the higher level of competition.