What's Happening?
North Dakota State University (NDSU) has agreed to join the Mountain West Conference for football starting in the 2026 season. This move marks a significant step up for the Bison, who will transition from the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). The transition involves a financial commitment, with NDSU expected to pay nearly $12 million to join the league and an additional $5 million to the NCAA. The Bison have been a dominant force in FCS, winning 10 of the last 15 championships. However, NCAA bylaws will prevent them from participating in bowl games or conference championships for the first two years of their FBS tenure. This move comes as the Mountain West Conference seeks to rebuild after losing
several teams to the Pac-12.
Why It's Important?
The inclusion of NDSU in the Mountain West Conference is a strategic move to bolster the league's competitiveness following the departure of key teams to the Pac-12. For NDSU, this transition offers a chance to compete at a higher level and gain greater national exposure. The financial implications are significant, with substantial fees required to make the jump to FBS. This move could also influence other successful FCS programs to consider similar transitions, potentially reshaping the landscape of college football. The decision reflects broader trends in NCAA realignment, where conferences are increasingly seeking to expand and strengthen their competitive standing.
What's Next?
As NDSU prepares for its transition to the Mountain West Conference, the school will focus on meeting the financial and competitive requirements of FBS membership. The Bison will need to navigate the initial two-year period without bowl game eligibility, which could impact recruitment and team morale. Meanwhile, the Mountain West Conference will continue to adjust its strategy to maintain competitiveness and stability in the face of ongoing NCAA realignment. The conference's ability to attract and integrate new members like NDSU will be crucial to its future success.
