“The Flagship”: 2026 NDSU FBS Football PRE SEASON

[JBB2]

The split might hurt NDSU. What was the 12,5 million for? Why did Sac St pay 18 million? Were these schools and/or it’s fans that desperate? We’re leaders blind to unfolding events?

Maybe the conferences knew & hoodwinked the schools?

Maybe nobody knew. Maybe the MVFC was the perfect spot to watch it unfold.

Maybe the FCS won’t be welcome in with the G6? Then there is 3 football playoffs and how many basketball tournaments? The NIT will be the G6/FCS/D1AA Version .

Does this put egg on the face of NDSUs leadership? Supporting fans?

Maybe it’s speculation?

[User1]

Maybe the FCS won’t be welcome in with the G6? Then there is 3 football playoffs and how many basketball tournaments? The NIT will be the G6/FCS/D1AA Version .

This is what we should be lobbying for.

[JBB2]

It makes sense. Michigan State BB spent 21 mil last year NDSU 1.9

Not exactly like institutions.

[JBB2]

Of course it’s all speculation but should it come to pass A split doesn’t necessarily mean a loss of value for G6 members. They have to get good media deals by sticking together. That will create/preserve program value across the G6

[JBB2]

Not sure I like the sounds of this. Split incoming!

No matter what, NDSU is in the right group.

SEC Commissioner Warns of ‘Messy’ Transition in Store for College Sports

https://www.breitbart.com/sports/2026/0 ... ge-sports/

Makes the split seem inevitable but doesn’t offer any real details.

[JBB2]

Interesting metric we have been tracking since the historical run through the Bigs, 10 & 12. It was tossed out at an arrogant JMU fan base. MWC power ranking is included.

NDSUs cost will probably go up, fewer wins and higher operating costs, but hopefully it holds its spot among the top cost/win programs.

Ranked by cost/win

IMG_3729.jpeg (70.5 KiB) Viewed 409 times

Last day of Winter!!! Spring Solstice tomorrow at 9:46 AM!!!

[JBB2]

During the 2 yr transition NDSU is ineligible for post season. With opt-in, FBS/FCS rules are the same. Conferences can govern but beyond opt-in rules the NCAA does not.

For NDSU there is no real transition. They are issuing 85 full rides. Roster 105. The transition is an artifact. It won’t be like the move from D2.

If MVFC rosters are at the same level as MWC the Bison may not miss a step. They stood up well to Co & Az pre opt-in. MVFC rosters are good probly thinner depth, Determining factor may be NDSUs 2nds and 3rds. Baseline might be a 500 season.

8-4, sweeping OOC would look good.

[JBB2]

This article was timely

NCAA proposal would allow FCS programs transitioning to FBS to reach CFP in first year

The NCAA's FBS Oversight Committee introduced legislation Thursday that would allow North Dakota State, Sacramento State and any future FCS-to-FBS programs to compete in bowl games -- and potentially the College Football Playoff -- in their first season.

https://www.cbssports.com/college-footb ... g-fbs-cfp/

[JBB2]

Not good news on NDSU enrollment

spring enrollment down 1.4% @ 10,958.

2025 fall enrollment was 11,110

Data here:

https://www.ndsu.edu/sites/default/file ... s/2630.pdf

It hits all programs. Not sure about student athletic fees but impacts to football seem minor. Are NDSUs STEM specialties losing traction? Appeal? is NDSU failing at an attempt to be a mass market university? If a Mankato clone is the goal 15,000 would seem more like it.

[JBB2]

MWC rule book

6.2 Championship Game Participants & Hosts Determination.The two teams that complete the
Conference season with the highest winning percentages will be the Mountain West Football
Championship Game participants. The team with the highest winning percentage outright shall be declared the host for the Championship Game.

MWC football schools play every team. Crowning the second place team champion because they tied the record in the championship game doesn’t smack of champion.

To make it meaningful the MWC needs 2 football divisions. Easily built with the logical FCS choices and maybe an additional FBS add. Make it all sports?