FCS powerhouse North Dakota State has secured a deal to join the Mountain West Conference for football only, starting in 2026, according to sources who spoke with ESPN on Sunday.
The university is anticipated to pay approximately $12 million to join the conference, in addition to a $5 million fee to the NCAA for the transition to the FBS level, sources shared with ESPN.
This significant move, expected to be officially announced on Monday, marks a substantial shift at the FCS level, as the Bison have clinched 10 of the last 15 national championships in football.
This addition will bring the Mountain West’s total to 10 football teams for 2026 and is part of the conference’s restructuring following the departures of Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State, and Utah State to the Pac-12.
North Dakota State has established itself as one of college football’s most formidable brands, and its move to the FBS will be closely watched. This change comes at a crucial time for the Mountain West, which, like many leagues outside the power conferences, is striving for both increased revenue and competitive strength amidst ongoing turnover to higher divisions.
NDSU will join a Mountain West football lineup that includes Northern Illinois, UTEP, Air Force, Hawai’i, Nevada, New Mexico, San Jose State, UNLV, and Wyoming.
Coach Tim Polasek led the Bison to the 2024 FCS national championship in his inaugural year at the helm. The last four coaches at North Dakota State have all claimed national titles, with Polasek joining the ranks of Matt Entz, Chris Klieman, and Craig Bohl.
This transition will prompt a rush to finalize schedules, as the timing is quite late in the calendar for a shift ahead of the upcoming season.
Yahoo first reported last week that discussions were underway between NDSU and the Mountain West.
