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Mountain West Lands North Dakota State, Analyst Says TV Market Doesn't Matter
The conference prioritized on-field quality over TV market size in adding the FCS powerhouse, according to a Mountain West expert.
Feb. 10, 2026 at 12:23am
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The Mountain West Conference has added North Dakota State, a dominant FCS program, to its ranks. While Fargo, North Dakota, where NDSU is located, has the 113th-ranked TV market in the country, a Mountain West analyst believes the conference made the right call by prioritizing the Bison's on-field success and passionate fan base over TV market size.
Why it matters
The addition of NDSU, a consistent FCS powerhouse, is seen as a major coup for the Mountain West, which has lost some of its top programs to other conferences in recent years. The Bison's strong brand and track record of success could make them the new Boise State for the league, boosting the conference's profile and competitiveness.
The details
North Dakota State has won 10 FCS national championships in the past 15 years and produced numerous NFL players. The Bison have also hosted ESPN's College GameDay three times and have a 9-5 record against FBS opponents since joining the FCS ranks. While Fargo is not a major TV market, the Mountain West analyst believes NDSU's proven on-field product and passionate fan base make them a valuable addition that will bring an energy and excitement to the conference that current programs lack.
- North Dakota State will join the Mountain West in the 2026 season.
- The Bison will not be eligible for the Mountain West title game, College Football Playoff, or bowl games for the first two seasons after joining the conference.
The players
Brent Briggeman
A writer for the Denver Gazette and a Mountain West analyst who believes the conference made the right decision in adding North Dakota State.
North Dakota State Bison
An FCS powerhouse that has won 10 national championships in the past 15 years and has a strong track record of success against FBS opponents.
What they’re saying
“The Mountain West chose quality (of football program) over quantity (of built-in television eyeballs) in adding North Dakota State. It's refreshing to see the (as-yet) Colorado Springs-based conference ditch its obsession with location, location, location and hitch its wagon to a proven on-field product.”
— Brent Briggeman, Mountain West Analyst
“If you've ever soaked in the additional buzz at Falcon Stadium when a team like Nevada visits, you'd know there is none. From a football standpoint, that doesn't move the needle. North Dakota State does.”
— Brent Briggeman, Mountain West Analyst
What’s next
North Dakota State will not be eligible for the Mountain West title game, College Football Playoff, or bowl games for the first two seasons after joining the conference in 2026.
The takeaway
The Mountain West's decision to add North Dakota State, a consistent FCS powerhouse, over a larger TV market shows the conference is prioritizing on-field quality and fan engagement over pure media market size. This move could pay dividends by making NDSU the new Boise State for the Mountain West, boosting the league's profile and competitiveness.
