North Dakota State University (NDSU) is reportedly in advanced talks with the Mountain West Conference to join as a football-only member in 2026. This potential move comes as NDSU, a powerhouse in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), seeks to elevate its football program to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) level. Since 2011, NDSU has dominated the FCS, claiming 10 national championships. The university's FCS rivals, such as James Madison and Sam Houston, have already made the transition to the FBS, further fueling NDSU's desire to follow suit. However, the geographical location of NDSU has been a significant factor in the past, making the move more challenging. The Bison currently compete in the Missouri Valley Football Conference for football and the Summit League for other sports. Despite this, NDSU's football team has shown impressive prowess, boasting a 9-5 record against FBS opponents since its FCS promotion in 2004, including notable victories over Iowa, Iowa State, and Minnesota. The Mountain West Conference, facing internal restructuring, is set to welcome NDSU as a football-only member, along with Northern Illinois, UTEP, Grand Canyon, and UC Davis. This move would significantly boost the conference's football presence, with the addition of NDSU bringing the total number of football members to 10. The conference's remaining members include Air Force, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico, San Jose State, UNLV, and Wyoming. NDSU's football team, under the leadership of head coach Tim Polasek, recently achieved success by winning the 2024 FCS championship and starting the 2025 season with an impressive 12-0 record before a surprising playoff loss to Illinois State. While negotiations are ongoing, the potential deal involves substantial fees, including a hefty entry fee and a $5 million NCAA fee for the transition from FCS to FBS. The Mountain West's new TV deal, secured with Fox Sports, CBS Sports, and The CW, will run from fall 2026 to summer 2032, further adding to the conference's appeal. The question remains whether NDSU will make the leap, but the discussions and potential changes in the sports landscape are certainly intriguing.
