Get ready for a thrilling sports story that's about to unfold! The future of North Dakota State's football program is up in the air, and it's got everyone talking.
North Dakota State, a true force in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), is reportedly in discussions with the Mountain West Conference to make a bold move and join as a football-only member. This potential shift has sparked excitement and controversy alike.
NDSU, with its impressive record of 10 FCS national championships since 2011, has long eyed a move to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). However, their location has posed a challenge. Currently aligned with the Missouri Valley Football Conference and the Summit League for other sports, NDSU's journey to FBS has been a complex one.
But here's where it gets interesting: NDSU's football team has already proven its mettle against FBS opponents, with a 9-5 record since their FCS move in 2004. They've even taken down some big names like Iowa, Iowa State, and Minnesota.
The Mountain West Conference, meanwhile, is going through its own transformation. With Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State, and Utah State transitioning to the Pac-12, the MW is adding new members, including UTEP as a full member and Northern Illinois as a football-only member. And this is the part most people miss: the MW and Pac-12 are locked in a legal battle over $150 million in exit and poaching fees.
The remaining MW members include Air Force, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico, San Jose State, UNLV, and Wyoming. Adding NDSU would bring the football membership to a solid 10 teams.
Under the guidance of Coach Tim Polasek, the Bison claimed the 2024 FCS championship and started the 2025 season with a perfect 12-0 record before an unexpected loss to Illinois State in the playoffs.
While a deal isn't finalized yet, the talks are intense and could continue into next week. Such a move would require significant entry fees and an NCAA fee of $5 million to move from FCS to FBS, expanding the FBS to a massive 137 members.
The Mountain West has also recently secured a new TV deal with Fox Sports, CBS Sports, and The CW, running from fall 2026 to summer 2032.
So, what do you think? Is this a smart move for North Dakota State? Will it strengthen the Mountain West Conference? Or is this a risky venture that could backfire? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
