North Dakota State is on the brink of a major leap forward - one that could reshape the FBS landscape and mark the end of one of the most dominant runs in FCS history. The Bison are deep in negotiations with the Mountain West Conference to join as a football-only member as early as this fall, according to a source familiar with the talks.
While no deal is finalized just yet, there’s real momentum behind the scenes. The conversations have progressed significantly, and if all goes according to plan, North Dakota State would officially make the jump to the FBS level - a move that’s been years in the making for a program that’s done just about everything you can do at the FCS level.
Now, this isn’t just a matter of changing conferences and new opponents. There’s a financial component to the transition.
North Dakota State would need to pay the NCAA’s $5 million fee to move up to the FBS, along with a separate entry fee negotiated with the Mountain West. That second number is still being worked out, but the discussions are active and ongoing.
If this deal gets across the finish line, it would be one of the most significant FCS-to-FBS transitions in recent memory - and with good reason. North Dakota State has built a dynasty in Fargo.
Ten national championships since 2011. A 9-5 all-time record against FBS opponents, including five wins over Power Five programs.
This isn’t just a successful FCS team - it’s a program that’s dominated its level and proven it can punch above its weight when given the chance.
The timing of this potential move is notable. Athletic director Matt Larsen and outgoing university president David Cook have both been vocal about the program’s ambitions.
Cook, who is set to take over as president at Iowa State on March 1, has just days left in his current role. This could be a defining final act for his tenure at NDSU.
Larsen, speaking on Jan. 22, didn’t mince words when asked about the school’s interest in jumping to the FBS.
“I would say in terms of our position, I think both myself and President Cook, we want to play at the highest level,” Larsen said. “And right now, the highest level is FBS football.
The things that we’ve done over the course of the last decade have positioned us to be able to do that. And if there’s an opportunity, I think it’s something we would absolutely explore.”
At that point, Larsen said the Mountain West hadn’t yet reached out. That’s changed in a hurry. Talks between Mountain West leadership, conference presidents, and NDSU officials have ramped up significantly in recent days.
This all comes at a critical juncture for the Mountain West itself. The conference just locked in new media rights deals with CBS Sports, FOX Sports, and Kiswe through the 2031-32 season, and added The CW under a separate five-year agreement running through 2030-31. But while the media landscape is stabilizing, the league is bracing for major change on the field.
Five key programs - Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State, and Utah State - are set to leave for the re-formed Pac-12 next fall. To fill the void, the Mountain West has already added UTEP, UC Davis, and Northern Illinois.
Hawaii, which has been a football-only member since 2012, is set to join in all sports starting in 2026. Northern Illinois will do the opposite, becoming a football-only member that same year.
UC Davis, meanwhile, will keep its football program in the FCS as part of the Big Sky Conference.
Despite the shifting membership, the Mountain West plans to stick with an eight-game football conference schedule next season. Matchups for the 2026 slate were announced back in December, though dates are still being finalized. If North Dakota State joins the fold, minor tweaks would be needed, and those models are already being worked on behind the scenes.
Now, it’s important to note that if the Bison do make the jump, they won’t be eligible for the College Football Playoff or bowl games during their two-year FBS transition period in 2026 and 2027. That’s standard NCAA policy. The only exception would be if there aren’t enough bowl-eligible teams to fill the available slots - in that case, North Dakota State could be considered.
Should this move go through, NDSU would become the 137th FBS program. Delaware and Missouri State just wrapped up their first full FBS seasons in 2025, and now the Bison could be next in line.
From a football perspective, this move makes sense. North Dakota State has done everything there is to do at the FCS level.
They’ve built a championship pedigree, developed NFL talent, and shown they can compete with - and beat - FBS programs. The infrastructure is there.
The ambition is there. And now, the opportunity appears to be there too.
If the Mountain West and NDSU can finalize this deal, it’ll be a major shift - not just for the Bison, but for the broader college football landscape. One of the sport’s most dominant programs is ready to take the next step. And the FBS might be about to get a whole lot more interesting.