Mountain West Conference Makes Bold Move: Welcomes North Dakota State as a Football-Only Member
Embracing Excellence and Innovation in College Football
Colorado Springs, Colorado, February 9, 2026 - The Mountain West Conference is making headlines with its latest addition, North Dakota State University, as a football-only member, starting July 1, 2026. This move is set to shake up the college football landscape, bringing a new level of excitement and competition to the conference.
The Mountain West, known for its commitment to excellence, is welcoming the Bison with open arms. Commissioner Gloria Nevarez expressed her enthusiasm, stating, 'We are thrilled to welcome North Dakota State University’s football program to the Mountain West. The Bison bring a championship mindset and a bold vision for growth that aligns with our unwavering commitment to excellence.'
North Dakota State University, located in Fargo, North Dakota, is a public land-grant research institution founded in 1890. It is designated as a R1 research institution by the Carnegie Classification, indicating its high research activity. The Bison have dominated the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) scene, winning 10 of the last 15 national titles and maintaining an impressive .900 win percentage.
But here's where it gets controversial... The Bison have also faced off against Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) opponents, with a 9-5 record. This raises the question: Will the Mountain West be able to handle the competitive edge of the Bison? Stay tuned as we explore this further in the comments section.
'This is a historic day for NDSU Athletics,' said Director of Athletics Matt Larsen. 'Our football program has earned this opportunity through sustained success and leadership. Joining the Mountain West is an exciting new opportunity for our team to compete at the highest level and for our fans to see FBS opponents coming to Fargo.'
However, there's a catch. North Dakota State will play a full Mountain West schedule in 2026 but won't be eligible for the MW Football Championship Game or postseason play until 2028. This raises another thought-provoking question: Will the Bison be able to maintain their dominance without the immediate pressure of championship games? We invite you to share your thoughts in the comments.
The Mountain West is also introducing a new comprehensive membership model, bringing together full-time, all-sport institutions alongside select sport-specific members. This move is designed to enhance the conference's overall competitiveness and provide a platform for student-athletes to excel in their respective sports.
As the conference rebuilds its football opponent matrix to include North Dakota State, we can expect an exciting new chapter in college football. Stay tuned for more updates as the Mountain West continues to make waves in the world of college athletics.
