North Dakota State Reveals Mountain West Conference Matchups

The Bison will host four teams and travel to five opponents in their first season in the new conference.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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North Dakota State has announced its conference schedule for its inaugural season in the Mountain West Conference. The Bison will host Wyoming, Nevada, Northern Illinois, and UTEP at the Fargodome, while traveling to face Hawaii, Air Force, New Mexico, UNLV, and Colorado Springs-based Air Force.

Why it matters

This marks a major transition for the Bison football program as they move from the FCS to the FBS level and the Mountain West Conference. The new conference matchups will pose fresh challenges and opportunities for the traditionally dominant North Dakota State team.

The details

North Dakota State's Mountain West Conference schedule includes home games against Wyoming, Nevada, Northern Illinois, and UTEP. The Bison will travel to face Hawaii, Air Force, New Mexico, UNLV, and Air Force. Specific dates and kickoff times for these games have not yet been announced.

  • North Dakota State's first season in the Mountain West Conference will be in 2026.

The players

Matt Larsen

The athletic director of North Dakota State University who said the school was working with a 'scheduling guru' to fill their non-conference slate.

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What’s next

North Dakota State still needs to finalize its non-conference schedule for the 2026 season as it transitions to the FBS level and the Mountain West Conference.

The takeaway

North Dakota State's move to the Mountain West Conference represents a major milestone for the Bison football program as they take on new conference opponents and challenges at the FBS level.