The college football landscape is about to get a shake-up, and it's all thanks to North Dakota State's bold move! A powerhouse in the FCS, the Bison are now set to join the Mountain West Conference for the 2026 season.
According to ESPN's Pete Thamel, the deal is done, and it's a big one. North Dakota State will pay a whopping $12 million to join the Mountain West for football, and an additional $5 million to the NCAA to make the transition to the FBS. That's a significant investment, but it could pay off in the long run.
But here's the catch: despite their success in the FCS, the Bison won't be able to compete in bowl games or conference championships for the first two years due to NCAA rules. This is a similar situation to James Madison's recent experience, who, despite impressive records, couldn't compete for the Sun Belt Championship due to their recent move to the FBS. However, there's a twist! James Madison and Jacksonville State, another FCS-to-FBS program, became bowl-eligible in 2023 due to a lack of eligible teams that year.
The Mountain West Conference is welcoming North Dakota State with open arms, especially after losing several teams to the Pac-12. With Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State, and Utah State departing, the conference needed a boost. And that's where the Bison come in, along with Northern Illinois, bringing the total number of teams to 10.
This move is a significant step for North Dakota State, and it will be fascinating to see how they fare in the FBS. Will they continue their winning ways, or will the competition be too fierce? Only time will tell. And this is the part most fans are eager to witness!
What do you think about North Dakota State's decision to make the jump? Is it a wise move, or should they have stayed in the FCS? Share your thoughts and let's spark a friendly debate in the comments!
