North Dakota State University (NDSU) is in serious discussions with the Mountain West Conference regarding a potential entry as a football-only member starting this fall, according to a source familiar with the matter.
No deal has been finalized yet, but there are indications that significant progress is being made toward an agreement that would elevate NDSU to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) level. This transition would involve a negotiated entry fee to the Mountain West, as well as the NCAA’s standard $5 million FBS transition fee. Details about the Mountain West’s entry fee are still being discussed.
If these conversations lead to a completed deal, it would represent one of the most significant transitions from FCS (Football Championship Subdivision) to FBS in recent times. The Bison have dominated FCS football with ten national championships since 2011, capping it off with their latest title in 2024. They hold a 9-5 record against FBS opponents, with notable wins against powerhouse programs.
“North Dakota State University is actively involved in discussions regarding the future of collegiate athletics, including conference affiliation,” stated the university in an official release shared on social media. “We are aware of media reports but will not provide further comments at this time.”
Under athletic director Matt Larsen and departing university president David Cook, who will take the helm at Iowa State University starting March 1, NDSU has often expressed its intention to pursue FBS membership. Cook’s final day at the university is drawing near, setting the stage for what could be a pivotal moment in NDSU’s athletics history.
Larsen emphasized last month that the school’s interest in moving up to FBS has reached an all-time high. “Both President Cook and I want to compete at the highest level,” he affirmed during an appearance on “Hot Mic with Dom Izzo.” He noted the Bison’s accomplishments over the last decade have strategically positioned them for such a transition. “If the opportunity arises, we will actively explore it. If not, we are poised to keep competing at a high level in FCS and contend for championships.”
At that time, Larsen mentioned that the Mountain West had not yet initiated contact with NDSU; however, discussions intensified among Mountain West officials, conference presidents, and NDSU leaders earlier this week.
This negotiation process coincides with critical developments for the Mountain West, which recently unveiled new media rights agreements with CBS Sports, FOX Sports, and Kiswe, extending through the 2031-32 season. Additionally, The CW has signed on for a five-year deal lasting until the 2030-31 season.
The conference is bracing for the departures of Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State, and Utah State, all set to join the re-formed Pac-12 next fall. In response to these exits, the Mountain West has welcomed UTEP, UC Davis, and Northern Illinois. While Hawaii currently competes as a football-only member, it will join all sports beginning in 2026. Northern Illinois is scheduled to enter as a football-only member in the same year, whereas UC Davis’ football team will remain in FCS under the Big Sky Conference.
Next season, the Mountain West will maintain an eight-game conference schedule in football. Although matchups for 2026 were announced in December, dates are still pending confirmation. Projections for the upcoming season that include North Dakota State are in the works and may need slight adaptations.
Should North Dakota State finalize its move to the Mountain West, it would enter a two-year transition period at the FBS level, making it ineligible for both the College Football Playoff and bowl games during 2026 and 2027. Nevertheless, the program might still receive bowl invitations if there are insufficient bowl-eligible teams available.
Currently, there are 136 FBS programs. Delaware and Missouri State are completing their first full FBS seasons this year.
