Bison Forum

NDSU is scaled perfectly for the FCS & MVFC. They are not scaled to the CFP or the MWC. There is financial troubles coming for college football.. NDSU needs to sit tight and manage its pennies wisely. A very tough and exciting FCS season looms. The football played will be superior to the FBS/MWC level. .

BIG12 MONEY CRISIS; K-STATE SAYS ITS BROKE


https://www.youtube.com/live/dbd6eb-Xr- ... URSkGqp6E9


More on the financial breakdown in college athletics

https://bisonforum.com/phpBB3/viewtopic ... 3291#p3291

With the breaking news the know your opponent series is on hold. There could be a lot of new opponents.

2026 to the MWC? We will see. It’s closer than ever. Watch for the application.

TEN BELLS!

My feed is lighting up!

Report: North Dakota State Receives Football-Only Invite To Join Mountain West

https://www.si.com/college/fcs/mvfc/rep ... ntain-west

Sources: North Dakota State in serious discussions to join Mountain West as football-only member

https://sports.yahoo.com/college-footba ... 47905.html

North Dakota State University in talks to join FBS football

https://www.valleynewslive.com/2026/02/ ... -football/

.North Dakota State To The Mountain West? NDSU’s FBS Aspirations Reportedly Close To Reality

https://herosports.com/fbs-north-dakota ... lity-cpcp/

North Dakota State football on verge of FCS-altering conference decision


https://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-fo ... eef0cc3da0

Reports: NDSU football could finalize a move to FBS as soon as this weekend

https://www.kfyrtv.com/2026/02/07/repor ... s-weekend/

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North Dakota State University is in serious discussions to join the Mountain West Conference as a football-only member starting in the 2026 season, with a deal potentially being finalized soon. This move would mark NDSU's transition to the Football Bowl Subdivision after years of success in the FCS.

InForum Yahoo

North Dakota State University Joins Mountain West Conference

Overview of the Move

North Dakota State University (NDSU) is in serious discussions to join the Mountain West Conference as a football-only member starting in the 2026 season. This move marks a significant step for NDSU, which has been a dominant force in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), winning 10 national championships since 2011.

Details of the Agreement

Membership Type: Football-only member

Other Members: NDSU will join Northern Illinois as the only football-only members, while full-time members include Air Force, Nevada, New Mexico, UNLV, San Jose State, Wyoming, Hawaii, and UTEP.

Negotiation Status: A deal could be finalized as soon as this weekend, although negotiations over the entrance fee are ongoing.

Financial Implications

Entrance Fee: NDSU is expected to pay a substantial entry fee, potentially in the eight figures.
NCAA Fee: The university will also owe a $5 million NCAA entry fee, which has increased significantly from $5,000 three years ago.

Future Prospects

This transition to the Mountain West is part of NDSU's long-term goal to compete at the highest level of Division I football. The Bison have expressed a strong interest in moving to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) for several years, and this opportunity aligns with their aspirations.

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What are the benefits of NDSU joining the Mountain West Conference?

How will NDSU's move to the Mountain West affect its football program?

What are the historical performances of NDSU in the FCS compared to Mountain West teams?


Thank you clawbot.

Nothing on the MWC or MVFC home pages. Lots of positive news but no application filed yet. Reports the invitation has been extended but MWC bylaws require aspirants to file an application of membership. That should be next.

There’s nothing for sure yet.

I can’t imagine where the value is? 5 million to the NCAA, 10(?)M to the MWC and 5-7 M/year after that for a bottom of the barrel FBS team? $4$ NDSU is one of the best college football programs. None-the-less it’s a big step.

Some games may be headliners but most will be about the same as the MVFC/FCS. Maybe a few less bottom feeders.

It might be easier to get a money game or two each season because home OOC games will be hard to come by. Maybe the PAC 12 will schedule them? OOC home will be a lot like it is now except Sun Belt/MAC/WAC. Guarantee money at home will be tough and not as lucrative on the road.

More money to tv subscriptions funding deplorable networks.

It’s a mixed bag. Not as optimistic about the onslaught of glory games many envision. There will be some improvement in the competition level. Playoffs are out of the picture for years to come. Minor bowl game?

SOS in conference will be held back by perennial weak conference teams. NDSU could improve on its national ranking though with a few big games in the P4 combined with a successful MWC run. Looking at Sagarin it’s going to be a bit of a let-down not to win it first year.

Chances of MWC teams improving their game are probably as good as the FCS improving. I like the FCS future because there is a lot of national upside. NDSU will no longer be there to share in what they helped build.

May the MWC future be as bright!

.??????

NDSU won’t comment on reports of possible football move to FBS

Fargo, ND, USA / The Mighty 790 KFGO | KFGO
Joe Leier
Feb 7, 2026 | 5:36 AM

A statement from NDSU says, “North Dakota State University is regularly involved in conversations about the future of collegiate athletics, including conference affiliation. We are aware of media reports and will have no further comments.

https://kfgo.com/2026/02/07/1259131/

Shut up they explained

Is it over?

Or, an indication it is now at the Presidents level?