Home / Sports / NDSU Bison Leap to FBS: A New Era Begins
NDSU Bison Leap to FBS: A New Era Begins
15 Jul
Summary
- NDSU celebrates FBS transition after 22 seasons and 10 FCS titles.
- Staying in FCS posed greater risks than moving to FBS.
- Bison have a 9-5 record against FBS teams from the FCS era.
North Dakota State University has officially transitioned to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), concluding a highly successful 22-season stint in the FCS. The Bison program amassed an impressive 10 national championships during this period. Experts suggest that continuing in the FCS, despite their dominance, posed greater long-term risks for NDSU.
The Bison demonstrated their capability against FBS opponents during their FCS era, achieving a 9-5 record. This success included victories over several Power Five conference teams, leading many FBS programs to avoid scheduling NDSU. The team's consistent sellouts at the Fargodome also began to wane due to perceived predictability.
Furthermore, several top FCS competitors like James Madison and Sam Houston have already moved to the FBS, diluting the FCS landscape. NDSU's move also addresses concerns about player and coach retention, as well as financial sustainability, while potentially revitalizing fan engagement at the highest level of college football.
