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Youngstown Today
By the People, for the People
FCS Football Enters New Era Without Dominant NDSU
The Bison's departure shakes up the FCS landscape, opening up new possibilities for other programs.
Mar. 2, 2026 at 11:39pm
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After 15 years of dominance, including 10 national championships, North Dakota State University's football team is leaving the FCS to join the FBS and Mountain West Conference. This shift will dramatically change the competitive landscape of the FCS, with the Bison's longtime rival South Dakota State University likely emerging as a new power, while other programs like Youngstown State, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Illinois State see brighter paths to the top of the league. At the national level, Montana State University is poised to take over as the team to beat, though the playoffs could become more wide open with NDSU no longer a guaranteed presence.
Why it matters
The departure of the FCS powerhouse NDSU program will have far-reaching implications, potentially leading to more parity and unpredictability in the subdivision. While the FCS may lose some of its star power, the increased competitiveness could make the playoffs and regular season more exciting for fans. However, the exit of NDSU and other top FCS programs to the FBS raises concerns about the long-term health and talent level of the subdivision.
The details
NDSU's dominance over the last 15 years, including 10 national championships, has made them the clear bully of the FCS. Their departure opens up opportunities for other programs like South Dakota State, Youngstown State, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Illinois State to compete for conference titles and playoff spots that were previously out of reach. At the national level, Montana State is seen as the new favorite, having won the national championship last season and returning most of their key players. The playoffs could also become more wide open, with the Bison no longer a guaranteed presence in the later rounds.
- NDSU is leaving the FCS to join the FBS and Mountain West Conference.
- The Bison have won 10 national championships over the last 15 years.
The players
North Dakota State University
The dominant FCS football program that is departing the subdivision to join the FBS and Mountain West Conference.
South Dakota State University
NDSU's longtime rival that is expected to emerge as a new power in the FCS with the Bison's departure.
Montana State University
The program that is poised to take over as the new team to beat in the FCS after NDSU's exit.
The takeaway
The FCS is entering a new era without its longtime dominant program, NDSU. While this could lead to more parity and excitement, it also raises concerns about the long-term viability of the subdivision as top programs continue to depart for the FBS. The competitive landscape is set to shift, with South Dakota State and Montana State emerging as new powers, but the overall talent level and interest in the FCS may be impacted by NDSU's exit.
