North Dakota State Prepares for FBS Jump: 'It's All Gas and No Brakes'

Head coach Tim Polasek discusses the Bison's transition to the Mountain West Conference and FBS football.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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North Dakota State, the dominant FCS football program of the last 15 years, is set to join the FBS as a football-only member of the Mountain West Conference starting in the 2026 season. Head coach Tim Polasek discussed the program's preparations for the move, including managing roster changes, adjusting the coaching staff, and maintaining the Bison's winning culture as they face a new level of competition.

Why it matters

North Dakota State's move to the FBS represents a significant shift in the college football landscape, as one of the most successful FCS programs transitions to the highest level of competition. The Bison's ability to sustain their winning ways against FBS opponents will be closely watched, as they seek to establish themselves as a national brand beyond the FCS ranks.

The details

North Dakota State will pay $12.5 million to join the Mountain West Conference, in addition to a $5 million fee to the NCAA to move to the FBS. The school plans to petition the NCAA for immediate access to the College Football Playoff and bowl games. Head coach Tim Polasek acknowledged the need to adapt the program's recruiting and roster-building strategies to compete at the FBS level, while also emphasizing the importance of maintaining the Bison's core values and developmental approach that has led to their sustained success.

  • North Dakota State will join the Mountain West Conference and FBS as a football-only member starting in the 2026 season.
  • Polasek was named the Bison's head coach in 2024 and led the team to the FCS national championship in his first season.

The players

Tim Polasek

The head coach of the North Dakota State Bison football team, who is leading the program's transition to the FBS.

Matt Larsen

The athletic director of North Dakota State University, who announced the school's $12.5 million fee to join the Mountain West Conference.

Craig Bohl

The former head coach of the North Dakota State Bison, who established the program as a dominant force in FCS football.

Matt Entz

The former head coach of the North Dakota State Bison, who continued the program's success before Polasek took over.

Chris Klieman

The former head coach of the North Dakota State Bison, who led the team to multiple FCS national championships.

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What they’re saying

“Right now, it's all gas and no brakes, and we're really excited.”

— Tim Polasek, Head Coach, North Dakota State Bison (on3.com)

“We're stressing to our players right now in meetings that this is a week-to-week thing where you've got to get up, you've got to get ready to fight.”

— Tim Polasek, Head Coach, North Dakota State Bison (on3.com)

“Because of the work of our former players, former coaches and former administrators, we are a national brand. The important thing is to continue to move that national brand forward, so that we're not just labeled as the FCS.”

— Tim Polasek, Head Coach, North Dakota State Bison (on3.com)

What’s next

The Bison will need to petition the NCAA for immediate access to the College Football Playoff and bowl games as they make the transition to the FBS.

The takeaway

North Dakota State's move to the FBS represents a significant challenge, but the Bison's history of sustained success and their head coach's experience in the Mountain West Conference suggest they are well-positioned to compete at the highest level of college football.