Mountain West-North Dakota St Football
FILE - National Team quarterback Cole Payton (9), of North Dakota State, drops back to pass during the first half of the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game, Jan. 31, 2026, in Mobile, Ala.
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Perennial FCS power North Dakota State will move up to the FBS level this season and join the Mountain West for football. North Dakota State won 10 of the last 15 championships in the FCS and will give the revamped Mountain West 10 football teams. The Bison went 12-1 in 2025 and lost in the second round of the playoffs to eventual runner-up Illinois State. North Dakota State’s move mirrors the departure Northern Illinois is making for football from the Mid-American Conference. Texas-El Paso and Hawaii will become full members for all sports starting with the 2026-27 school year.
Perennial FCS power North Dakota State will move up to the FBS level this season and join the Mountain West for football.
