NDSU's Move to Mountain West Presents Opportunities for UND and Others

NDSU's decision to leave the Missouri Valley Football Conference will end the annual rivalry with UND, but could benefit the region's other football programs.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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NDSU's announcement that it will move its football program to the Mountain West Conference has sparked concerns about the future of its long-standing rivalry with UND. However, the editorial board of the Grand Forks Herald argues that NDSU's upward move could actually present new opportunities for UND and other regional football programs, as NDSU expands its recruiting reach and potentially leaves behind more local talent for other schools to acquire.

Why it matters

The NDSU-UND rivalry has been a source of excitement for fans in North Dakota, but its potential end does not have to be seen as a negative. Instead, the editorial board believes NDSU's move to a higher-profile conference could benefit UND and other regional programs as NDSU's recruiting focus shifts to a broader national scope.

The details

When NDSU announced its move to the Mountain West Conference, it signaled the likely end of the annual rivalry matchup between North Dakota's only Division I football programs. NDSU is seeking brighter lights and a pathway to tougher opponents, bigger paydays, and the FBS playoffs. While UND fans may miss the excitement of the rivalry game, the editorial board argues that NDSU's upward move could be a boon for UND. As NDSU expands its recruiting map to stay competitive at the higher level, more athletes from football strongholds like Florida, Texas, and California may end up in Fargo. This could mean fewer opportunities for in-state and regional high school players, allowing UND and other regional programs to potentially benefit by recruiting those overlooked talents.

  • NDSU and UND resumed their annual rivalry games in 2015 after more than a decade without facing each other.
  • NDSU announced its move to the Mountain West Conference in 2026.

The players

NDSU

North Dakota State University, a Division I football program that has won 10 FCS titles since 2011 and is now moving to the higher-profile Mountain West Conference.

UND

The University of North Dakota, North Dakota's other Division I football program and NDSU's long-time rival.

South Dakota State University

Another rival of NDSU that could potentially follow the Bison's lead and move up to a higher-level conference.

Bill Chaves

The athletic director of the University of North Dakota, who stated that NDSU's move upward is a 'significant decision' and that UND's priority is to build nationally competitive programs.

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What they’re saying

“NDSU's move will neither hurt nor hinder UND's mission. UND fans who are upset by NDSU's decision might not be thinking about the possibilities that now exist as the Bison exit the Missouri Valley Conference.”

— Herald Editorial Board (Grand Forks Herald)

What’s next

If South Dakota State University decides to follow NDSU's lead and also move to a higher-level conference, it could create even more opportunities for UND and other regional programs to benefit from the shifting recruiting landscape.

The takeaway

NDSU's move to the Mountain West Conference, while ending the annual rivalry with UND, presents new possibilities for UND and other football programs in the region to capitalize on NDSU's expanded recruiting reach and potentially gain access to more local talent that the Bison may overlook.