North Dakota State fans have been clamoring for an invite to the FBS for a while. And now that opportunity may finally be possible in the near future.
Action Network reported the Mountain West is exploring the possibility of adding NDSU in the wake of five MW schools deciding to go to the Pac-12.
If the Mountain West is unsatisfied with eight teams, then FCS powerhouse NDSU might make sense as a new football-only member.
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North Dakota State’s Potential Mountain West Move
Going to the Mountain West would make plenty of sense for North Dakota State.
The Bison have been dominant on the field at the FCS level for over a decade. They’ve won nine national championships going back to 2011.
And the Bison have been successful against FBS programs. They’re 9-5 all-time going up against teams from that subdivision, including wins over No. 13-ranked Iowa in 2016, Iowa State in 2014, and Kansas State in 2013.
NDSU has also financially invested in football. The team opened a $54 million performance complex in the last couple years.
In 2022, North Dakota State was also the lowest-subsidized public athletic department – referring to money from the state, institution, and/or student fees – in the FCS and even in the Group of Five. Of its $29.3 million budget, 25.9% was subsidized.
NDSU, currently the No. 1-ranked team in the FCS, would likely fit in the Mountain West from a skill-level perspective and a geographical perspective.
The main reasons why NDSU hasn’t jumped to the FBS sooner is beyond football. Based in Fargo, North Dakota, NDSU isn’t necessarily in the most appealing media market for starters.
NDSU’s enrollment has steadily declined over the past decade, and attendance at football games has fluctuated the past five years. That may have given some FBS leagues reasons for concern.
Northern Illinois-Mountain West Conversations Picking Up
NDSU’s chances of going to the FBS and the Mountain West would likely be affected by what happens with Northern Illinois. NIU reportedly is strongly considering going to the Mountain West for football and leaving the MAC.
There’s plenty for the Huskies to consider if they’re going to make a change like this.
The ultimate question, as has been the case with basically all conference realignment, has been if moving to a new conference would lead to more money. Though no potential financial arrangements have been widely reported, if NIU were to go to the Mountain West, the Huskies would likely be aiming to make more than they would be by simply staying in the MAC.
Travel would obviously have to be considered as well. Currently, the MAC is one of the most logical conferences in the FBS in terms of geography.
While moving to the Mountain West might put NIU in a more competitive league that could arguably bring the program more notoriety, it would also put the football team in the same conference as teams like Hawaii, San Jose State, and UTEP.
The Mountain West reportedly was also exploring adding Toledo, but the Rockets’ interest appears to have lessened.
North Dakota State Football Stadium Capacity & Attendance
The Fargodome, where North Dakota State plays, has a capacity of 18,700 for football games. The Bison averaged an attendance of 15,121 during 2023, which put them 11th in the FCS.
When Could NDSU Join The Mountain West?
North Dakota State would likely begin competing in the Mountain West in 2026 if the Bison made the move to the FBS. But due to NCAA rules for teams transitioning from the FCS, NDSU wouldn’t be eligible for postseason play like the MW Championship or a bowl game until 2027.
Mountain West Teams Going To The Pac-12
San Diego State, Boise State, Colorado State, Utah State, and Fresno State are the teams from the Mountain West going to the Pac-12 in 2026.
More could be joining them soon. The Pac-12 added Gonzaga for basketball, but the league needs at least one more full-time member.
Teams In The Mountain West
UNLV, San Jose State, Hawaii, Wyoming, New Mexico, Nevada, and Air Force are Mountain West teams that appear to be staying put. UTEP will also be leaving Conference USA for the MW in 2026, giving the league eight full-time members.
UC Davis will also be going to the Mountain West for all sports except football. The Aggies will continue to compete in the FCS.
How Much Would It Cost For North Dakota State To Move Up To The FBS?
North Dakota State has to pay $5 million to move up to the FBS after the Division I Council increased that number from $5,000 in 2023.
The football attendance requirement to go to the FBS no longer exists, as it was replaced by scholarship requirements.
Mountain West’s TV Deal
The Mountain West agreed to a $270 million media rights deal in 2020 with CBS and FOX, per The Athletic. It would end after the 2025-26 season. Teams were to be paid about $4 million per year.
When Did North Dakota State Become Division I?
North Dakota State became a Division I football program in 2004. The Bison have been a member of the Missouri Valley Football Conference since 2008.
Another member of the MVFC, Missouri State, will be joining the FBS and going to Conference USA beginning in 2025.
