When will North Dakota State join the Mountain West Conference?

North Dakota State will join the Mountain West Conference starting in the 2026 season.

How many national championships has North Dakota State won?

North Dakota State has won 18 national championships at the FCS level.

Which other teams have transitioned from FCS to FBS with mixed results?

Teams like Akron and Massachusetts have struggled to find consistent success at the FBS level, while Boise State and UCF have been highly successful after their transitions.

Home / Sports / NDSU Bison Leap to FBS: Mountain West Bound!

NDSU Bison Leap to FBS: Mountain West Bound!

12 Feb

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Summary

North Dakota State will join the Mountain West Conference in 2026.
The Bison have won 18 national championships at the FCS level.
Numerous FCS teams have transitioned to FBS with varied success.

NDSU Bison Leap to FBS: Mountain West Bound!

North Dakota State University is set to make a significant leap in college football, as the program has agreed to join the Mountain West Conference beginning with the 2026 season. This move marks a major transition for the Bison, a perennial powerhouse that has amassed 18 national championships at the FCS level.

Throughout their history, NDSU has demonstrated its ability to compete with FBS teams, having secured victories against programs from the Big Ten and Big 12. The Bison's jump to FBS is not unprecedented, as numerous teams have made similar transitions since 1978.