North Dakota State has reached an agreement to join the Mountain West Conference for football, multiple outlets reported on Sunday.
The Bison, a Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) heavyweight over the last 15 years with 10 national championships over that span, have long been rumored to be a candidate to jump up to the next level.
According to ESPN, the school will pay roughly a $12 million entrance fee to its new league, as well as $5 million to the NCAA in order to move up to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) level. Per standard NCAA arrangement, the NDSU football team will not be eligible for a bowl or College Football Playoff berth until 2028.
The school had yet to confirm the move Sunday evening. On Saturday, a statement was posted to social media.
“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,” the school said.
The Mountain West has been active about pursuing new members since a split occurred among its membership and five schools (Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State and Utah State) left for the new-look Pac-12 in 2024.
North Dakota State becomes the league’s 10th football team for 2026, joining newcomers Northern Illinois (football only) and UTEP along with Air Force, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico, San Jose State, UNLV and Wyoming.
North Dakota State most recently won the FCS national title in 2024. The Bison finished 12-1 last season, losing to Illinois State in the second round of the playoffs.
