The news many have been waiting several years to hear — North Dakota State football is moving to the FBS and the Mountain West.
What was first reported by Yahoo Sports on Feb. 6 turned into an official report by Pete Thamel on Feb. 8 — NDSU will join the Mountain West in 2026 for football-only. The school and conference made it officially official on Feb. 9.
NDSU plays its Olympic sports in the Summit League, which wouldn’t be impacted by the FBS football-only move.
The FCS-to-FBS transition fee is $5 million. And NDSU will reportedly pay the MWC more than $12 million to join the league.
“We are thrilled to welcome North Dakota State University’s football program to the Mountain West,” said MW Commissioner Gloria Nevarez. “The Bison bring a championship mindset and a bold vision for growth that aligns with the unwavering commitment to the excellence of the Mountain West. Their dedication to elevating the student‑athlete experience—on the field, in the classroom, and throughout the community—will energize the Mountain West and help propel our football profile to new heights nationwide.”
NDSU has won 10 FCS national championships since 2011. The administration has made it known over the last few years that it has an interest in joining the FBS, but no invitation has come.
Until now.
“This is a historic day for NDSU Athletics. Our football program has earned this opportunity through the sustained success and leadership of our student-athletes and coaches past and present,” said NDSU Director of Athletics Matt Larsen. “Joining the Mountain West is an exciting new opportunity for our team to compete at the highest level, for our fans to see FBS opponents coming to Fargo, and for Bison football to reach a wider national audience through expanded television coverage.”
