North Dakota State University to Transition to FBS, Join Mountain West Conference
North Dakota State University (NDSU) is transitioning from the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), joining the Mountain West Conference. This move follows a highly successful era for the Bison in the FCS, where they won…
Fort Myers Naples, FL, August 23, 2026 —
North Dakota State University (NDSU) is set to embark on a significant new chapter in its athletic history as it transitions from the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). The university has announced its intention to join the Mountain West Conference, marking a major shift in its collegiate football landscape.
This move comes after a period of unprecedented success for the NDSU Bison in the FCS. The team achieved remarkable dominance, securing 10 national championships over a span of 14 years. This highly decorated era has established NDSU as a powerhouse within the FCS.
The transition to FBS and the Mountain West Conference is scheduled to officially commence with the upcoming season. NDSU’s inaugural game as an FBS program will be against Jacksonville State. This will be followed by their conference debut in the Mountain West, where they are set to face Air Force.
The decision to move to the FBS level represents a strategic step for NDSU, aligning with ambitions for broader athletic competition and national visibility. The Mountain West Conference provides a competitive platform for the university as it enters this new division.
Story summarized from the original created by AP on apnews.com, see more information here.
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