North Dakota State is in advanced discussions to join the Mountain West Conference as a football-only member starting in the fall of 2026, according to a source familiar with the negotiations. Although no agreement was finalized as of late Friday, significant progress has been reported.
This potential transition would be one of the most noteworthy shifts from the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) in recent years. North Dakota State has achieved remarkable success, securing 10 national championships since 2011, with their latest title coming in 2024. The team has a respectable 9-5 record against FBS opponents, including five victories over teams from power conferences.
Under the leadership of athletic director Matt Larsen and outgoing university president David Cook, there has been a clear intention for North Dakota State to elevate its football program to FBS status in recent months. Cook is set to become president at Iowa State University on March 1, with his last day at North Dakota State being this Sunday. This timing may mark a significant final chapter in his tenure.
Larsen expressed the institution”s strong interest in exploring FBS membership, stating, “I would say in terms of our position, I think both myself and president Cook, we want to play at the highest level.” He noted that the university”s accomplishments over the last decade have prepared them for this opportunity, adding that they would explore any available avenues for advancement.
Recent talks between Mountain West officials and North Dakota State”s administration intensified this week. These discussions coincide with a critical period for the Mountain West, which announced new media rights deals with CBS Sports, FOX Sports, and Kiswe through the 2031-32 season, in addition to a five-year agreement with The CW.
As the Mountain West prepares for the departures of several teams, including Boise State, Colorado State, and others transitioning to a restructured Pac-12, they have added members such as UTEP, UC Davis, and Northern Illinois. Notably, Hawaii joined as a football-only member in 2012 but will participate in all sports starting in 2026.
If North Dakota State completes its transition to the Mountain West, it will face a two-year adjustment period at the FBS level, making the program ineligible for the College Football Playoff and bowl games during the 2026 and 2027 seasons. However, the school could still accept a bowl invitation if there are not enough eligible teams to fill the slots.
Currently, there are 136 FBS programs, with Delaware and Missouri State completing their initial full FBS seasons in 2025.
