North Dakota State University (NDSU) has been a force in college football for years. The Bison have racked up 12 Missouri Valley Football Conference titles, five Division 2 national championships, and ten Division 1 FCS titles.
Now, they’re headed for a new adventure. NDSU will jump to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), joining the Mountain West Conference (MWC) in 2026.
Honestly, it’s a huge step for the school and says a lot about how far the program has come. They’re not just moving up for the sake of it—they’re ready to see if they can hang with the best.
The Legacy of North Dakota State Football
NDSU football has a history that’s hard to ignore. With over 750 wins at the FCS level, they’ve outpaced every non-Ivy League program out there.
Their all-time record? 811-385-34. That’s a .673 winning percentage, which is second only to Oklahoma among all Division 1 programs.
Championship Pedigree
The Bison’s trophy case is stacked:
- 12 Missouri Valley Football Conference titles
- Five Division 2 national championships
- Ten Division 1 FCS titles, including a wild run of five straight from 2011 through 2015
A New Chapter: Joining the Mountain West Conference
Back in February, NDSU said yes to the Mountain West Conference. The move becomes official in 2026.
Former NDSU President David Cook, who’s now at Iowa State, called it a big deal for the university. He said it builds on what they’ve already done and shows a lot of faith in the people and the program.
Opportunities and Challenges
Joining the MWC brings plenty of new things to the table:
- More national exposure and better TV coverage
- Fresh opportunities for students and the community
- Games against FBS programs like UNLV, New Mexico, Air Force, Wyoming, Hawai’i, and Nevada
Sure, it won’t be easy. But if any program’s built for this kind of leap, it’s probably NDSU.
The 2026 Season: What to Expect
Looking ahead to their first FBS season, the Bison have some storylines to watch. Starting quarterback Cole Payton is off to the NFL, so senior Nathan Hayes steps in.
The offensive line returns three starters, and Kansas transfer Kene Anene slides in at right tackle. That should help, at least on paper.
Offensive Firepower
The Bison offense will count on a few key guys:
- Running back DJ Scott, who managed 502 yards in a rotational role last season
- Tight end Reis Kessel, their top returning receiver with 15 catches for 335 yards and a touchdown
- Wide receiver Jackson Williams, who grabbed 17 passes for 293 yards and a score
They’ll need these playmakers to step up, especially with the jump in competition.
Defensive Stability
Defensively, they’ll miss linebacker Nathaniel Staehling, who transferred to Michigan. But All-MVFC linebacker Donovan Woolen is back to lead the group.
Safeties Darius Givance, Taylen Eady, and Jaylin Crumbly return as well. Division 2 transfers EJ Davis and DJ Voltz are expected to take over at cornerback.
Predictions and Expectations
Can NDSU make this work? There’s a lot of optimism. They’ve got a 9-5 all-time record against FBS teams, which isn’t bad at all.
With the NCAA scrapping the two-year postseason ban for FBS newcomers, the Bison could even snag a bowl game in their first season. That’d be something.
Expert Opinions
The Athlon Sports college football preview magazine pegs NDSU to finish fourth in the MWC and predicts a Famous Idaho Potato Bowl matchup with Toledo.
The Sporting News thinks they’ll do even better—third in the conference. An assistant coach in the MWC told Athlon Sports that NDSU’s confidence in its talent and development is what drove the move, even if they lost some key players.
Key Games to Watch
NDSU’s FBS journey starts August 29 against Jacksonville State. Their first conference game is September 12 against Air Force.
Those early games will set the tone. It’s hard not to be curious about how they’ll handle it all.
Conclusion
North Dakota State’s jump to the FBS is, honestly, a pretty big deal for the program. It opens up a whole new chapter in their already impressive story.
The Bison have a solid foundation and a roster that’s got plenty of talent. Their track record? Not too shabby—success seems to follow them.
Now, with the Mountain West Conference ahead, there’s a real sense of curiosity. How will NDSU actually stack up in their first season at this level?
If you want to dig deeper into NDSU’s move and what might be coming next, you can read the full piece over at SB Nation.
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