North Dakota State will leave its FCS dynasty behind and join the Mountain West Conference as a football-only member starting in the 2026 season, a source confirmed. The move gives the Mountain West 10 football programs, including UNLV, Air Force, Hawaii, New Mexico, Nevada, Northern Illinois, San Jose State, Texas-El Paso, and Wyoming. An official announcement is expected as early as Monday.
The Bison, winners of 10 of the last 15 FCS national championships, will pay an eight-figure entry fee to the conference and owe $5 million to the NCAA for the transition to the Football Bowl Subdivision. North Dakota State last won the FCS title in 2024 and finished 12-0 this past regular season before losing to Illinois State in the playoffs.
With the addition, the Bison are expected to be among the preseason favorites for the 2026 Mountain West title, alongside UNLV and New Mexico. Their other sports will remain in the Summit League.
