NDSU Confirms 2027 Vegas Kickoff Classic

Bison to face Montana State in Labor Day matchup at Allegiant Stadium

Mar. 25, 2026 at 10:07pm

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North Dakota State University has officially confirmed its participation in the 2027 Vegas Kickoff Classic, where the Bison will take on the Montana State Bobcats in a Labor Day football game at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

Why it matters

This game marks NDSU's move to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) level, a significant milestone for the program. The Vegas Kickoff Classic is a high-profile event operated by ESPN, giving the Bison national exposure as they transition to the FBS.

The details

The game between NDSU and Montana State will be part of the 2027 Vegas Kickoff Classic, which will also feature a matchup between the Miami Hurricanes and Utah Utes. The specific date, time, and broadcast network for the NDSU-Montana State game are still to be determined.

  • The game will take place on Labor Day 2027.
  • The event was confirmed by NDSU on March 25, 2026.

The players

Matt Larsen

The director of athletics at North Dakota State University.

North Dakota State University

A public research university located in Fargo, North Dakota, and the host of the Bison football team.

Montana State Bobcats

The football team of Montana State University, who will face NDSU in the 2027 Vegas Kickoff Classic.

Miami Hurricanes

The football team of the University of Miami, who will face the Utah Utes in the 2027 Vegas Kickoff Classic.

Utah Utes

The football team of the University of Utah, who will face the Miami Hurricanes in the 2027 Vegas Kickoff Classic.

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What they’re saying

“This game marks NDSU's move to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) level, a significant milestone for the program.”

— Matt Larsen, Director of Athletics, North Dakota State University

What’s next

The specific date, time, and broadcast network for the NDSU-Montana State game are still to be determined.

The takeaway

NDSU's participation in the 2027 Vegas Kickoff Classic represents an exciting new chapter for the Bison football program as they transition to the FBS level, providing them with national exposure and a high-profile matchup against Montana State.