NDSU Announces 2026 Football Schedule

North Dakota State University's first year competing at the FBS level

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

North Dakota State University announced its 12-game football schedule for the 2026 season, the school's first year competing at the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) level. The Bison will play eight Mountain West Conference games, three non-conference games against FBS opponents, and one Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) opponent.

Why it matters

NDSU's move to the FBS level is a significant milestone for the program, which has been a powerhouse at the FCS level. The new schedule will test the Bison against tougher competition as they transition to the higher division.

The details

The Bison will open the season with back-to-back home games against Jacksonville State and Fordham before playing their first Mountain West game at Air Force on Sept. 12. Other conference road games include UNLV, New Mexico, and Hawaii. NDSU will host Wyoming, Nevada, UTEP, and Northern Illinois at home. The Bison will also play a non-conference game at Sacramento State and close the regular season at San Jose State.

  • The 2026 season will be NDSU's first year competing at the FBS level.
  • Season ticket renewals and deposits for new season tickets may be made online by April 30 to participate in the seat selection process in May.
  • Any remaining season tickets will go on sale June 15.
  • NDSU single-game tickets go on sale August 1.

The players

North Dakota State University

A public research university located in Fargo, North Dakota, known for its successful FCS football program.

Mountain West Conference

An NCAA Division I collegiate athletic conference that NDSU will be joining for football in 2026.

Jacksonville State

An FCS football program that NDSU will play in the season opener, a rematch of the 2015 FCS championship game.

Fordham

An FCS football program that NDSU will play in the second game of the season.

Sacramento State

An FBS football program that NDSU will play in a non-conference game as part of a home-and-home agreement.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Season ticket renewals and deposits for new season tickets may be made online by April 30 to participate in the seat selection process in May. Any remaining season tickets will go on sale June 15. NDSU single-game tickets go on sale August 1.

The takeaway

NDSU's move to the FBS level and the release of its 2026 football schedule marks an exciting new chapter for the program. The Bison will face tougher competition in the Mountain West Conference, but their history of success at the FCS level suggests they are poised to make a smooth transition to the higher division.