For the better part of two decades, North Dakota State have dominated the Football Championship Subdivision of Division I college football, winning 10 national titles while producing a slew of superb NFL players and talented coaches.
But now it appears that the Bison have become too big for their pond and are finally ready to join the FBS.
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According to Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports, North Dakota State is in “serious dialogue” with the Mountain West Conference to join them as a football-only member as early as the 2026 college football season. Per the report, the deal could come together as early as this weekend. The move won’t come cheap though as the Bison would have to pay “a substantial entry fee” for the privilege.
“The Mountain West is in serious dialogue to add the FCS powerhouse as a football-only member starting this coming season, and a deal could be finalized as soon as this weekend, sources tell Yahoo Sports,” Dellenger wrote.
“North Dakota State and the Mountain West — in a courtship for more than a year now — are nearing the completion of a more permanent marriage. The move comes at a price for the Bison.
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“The school is expected to pay a substantial entry fee to join the conference — an offer that is becoming more standard for those schools wanting a promotion in conference affiliation.”
Ready for the big time?
For decades North Dakota State has ranked among the best FCS schools in the country, not just because of their numerous national titles, but thanks to their ability to hold their own against their FBS counterparts. But while a slew of FCS teams have risked the jump to the FBS in recent years, NDSU seemed happy with their lot in life.
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However, the recent success of James Madison University – who frequently clashed with NDSU in the FCS postseason – has many believing that the transition from FCS to FBS wouldn’t be nearly as difficult as many have long feared.
The Dukes have gone 40-11 since joining the FBS and just became only the fourth non-power conference (or Notre Dame) team in history to reach the College Football Playoff.
That kind of success for a team on par with their own program has to be appealing to North Dakota State fans everywhere.
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Will the Bison get the deal over the finish line and play in the FBS next year?
This story was originally published by The Spun on Feb 8, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
