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NDSU Bison Leap to FBS: Mountain West Bound!
12 Feb
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.
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.
Past transitions have yielded mixed results. Akron and Massachusetts serve as cautionary tales, struggling to find consistent success at the FBS level after their moves. In contrast, Boise State and UCF have achieved remarkable success, becoming perennial contenders and establishing strong fanbases.
Other notable programs like Nevada, James Madison, and Jacksonville State have also found varying degrees of success in FBS. Liberty notably reached a New Year's Six bowl in 2025. This strategic move by NDSU into the Mountain West positions them to compete on a larger stage.
