The sports world is abuzz with rumors of a potential game-changer! North Dakota State, a dominant force in the FCS, is eyeing a bold move to the Mountain West Conference, but with a twist. Will they shake up the status quo?
Sources reveal that North Dakota State is negotiating to join the Mountain West as a football-only member for the 2026 season. This move has been on the cards for years, especially as other FCS powerhouses made the transition to FBS. But NDSU's geographical location has always been a tricky piece of the puzzle.
Here's the catch: NDSU has an impressive record against FBS opponents, boasting a 9-5 record since their FCS promotion in 2004, with notable wins over Iowa, Iowa State, and Minnesota (twice). But the Mountain West is undergoing a significant transformation.
The conference is set to lose Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State, and Utah State to the Pac-12, and is already welcoming UTEP and Northern Illinois for football. The Mountain West is also in a legal battle with the Pac-12 over a staggering $150 million in fees. And this is where it gets intriguing...
If NDSU joins, they'll become the 10th football member, adding to the existing lineup of Air Force, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico, San Jose State, UNLV, and Wyoming. The Bison, led by Coach Tim Polasek, are fresh off a 2024 FCS championship and an undefeated 2025 regular season, only to be upset in the playoffs by Illinois State.
The deal is not sealed yet, but negotiations are intense. A move to the Mountain West would come with a substantial entry fee, plus a $5 million NCAA fee for the FCS-to-FBS transition. The Mountain West recently secured a lucrative TV deal with Fox Sports, CBS Sports, and The CW, further sweetening the pot.
So, will North Dakota State take the plunge and join the Mountain West? The decision could reshape the college football landscape. What do you think? Is this the right move for NDSU, or should they stay put? The sports world is waiting with bated breath for the outcome of these talks.
