Mountain West Adds NDSU as Football-Only Member | County 17
- — The Mountain West Conference has added North Dakota State University as a football-only member, effective July 1, 2026.
- The announcement, made on February 9, 2026, was met with enthusiasm from both conference officials and NDSU leadership.
- North Dakota State, founded in 1890 and located in Fargo, is a public land-grant research institution designated as an R1 university, signifying “Doctoral University: Very High Research Activity.”...
Mountain West Conference Expands Football Footprint with North Dakota State
FARGO, N.D. — The Mountain West Conference has added North Dakota State University as a football-only member, effective July 1, 2026. The move brings a Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) powerhouse into the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) landscape, bolstering the Mountain West’s profile as it continues to evolve following recent conference realignment.
The announcement, made on February 9, 2026, was met with enthusiasm from both conference officials and NDSU leadership. Mountain West Commissioner Gloria Nevarez stated, “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 the unwavering commitment to the excellence of the Mountain West. Their dedication to elevating the student‑athlete experience—on the field, in the classroom, and throughout the community—will energize the Mountain West and help propel our football profile to new heights nationwide.”
North Dakota State, founded in 1890 and located in Fargo, is a public land-grant research institution designated as an R1 university, signifying “Doctoral University: Very High Research Activity.” The university’s athletic program has achieved significant success, particularly in football, claiming 10 of the last 15 FCS national titles. Over that period, the Bison have maintained a .900 win percentage, with a record of 198-22.
The transition to the Mountain West represents a significant step for NDSU’s football program. While dominating the FCS level, the Bison have also demonstrated competitiveness against FBS opponents, holding a 9-5 all-time record in those contests. This success has translated to NFL attention, with 13 NDSU players selected in the last 10 NFL drafts, including three in the first round.
NDSU Director of Athletics Matt Larsen hailed the move as a historic day for the university. “This is a historic day for NDSU Athletics. Our football program has earned this opportunity through the sustained success and leadership of our student-athletes and coaches past and present,” he said.
The addition of North Dakota State mirrors a similar move by Northern Illinois, which is also transitioning to the Mountain West for football only, departing the Mid-American Conference. The Mountain West is also preparing for the full membership of Texas-El Paso and Hawaii, starting with the 2026-27 school year.
While focusing on football within the Mountain West, North Dakota State will continue to prioritize its multi-sport conference membership in the Summit League, maintaining strong regional competition in most other sports. The university is also a member of the Big 12 Conference for wrestling.
The Mountain West’s decision to add NDSU underscores the conference’s commitment to strengthening its football presence and attracting programs with a proven track record of success. The Bison’s arrival is expected to enhance the competitive landscape of the conference and contribute to its continued growth on a national stage.