In a significant move, North Dakota State University (NDSU) has entered its inaugural season in the Mountain West Conference, but the $12.5 million investment for membership has not resulted in a favorable schedule. The conference”s recently released list of opponents for 2026 highlights a daunting road trip for the Bison, featuring games against UNLV, Air Force, Hawaii, and New Mexico.
The Bison will take their first steps into the new conference with four challenging away games against some of the league”s top teams, as the Mountain West has seen a major shift with the exit of five schools to the revamped Pac-12 Conference. NDSU”s home games this year will include matchups against Nevada, Northern Illinois, Texas-El Paso, and Wyoming, with specific dates and times still to be announced.
It is clear that NDSU”s entry into the Mountain West comes with one of the toughest road schedules possible. Notably, the absence of games against teams like UNLV, New Mexico, and Air Force in Fargo is disappointing, especially considering the potential for increased fan engagement and excitement surrounding those matchups.
Head coach Jason Eck, previously an assistant at South Dakota State, leading New Mexico into the Fargodome would have been a thrilling spectacle. Instead, NDSU will host Nevada”s Jeff Choate this fall, a coach who may still have lingering memories of the Bison”s past playoff victories over Montana State during his tenure there.
A rivalry with Wyoming could develop, and NDSU is likely to encounter fierce competition with Northern Illinois in recruiting battles. While the Dakota Marker trophy clash with South Dakota State will not occur this season, Bison fans will miss only one FCS home game, with Indiana State, Southern Illinois, Illinois State, and Austin Peay on the schedule.
The Bison”s nonconference schedule is still pending, but they are expected to host one FCS game, likely against East Tennessee State on September 9. The Mountain West”s remaining teams pose a significant challenge, especially with UNLV and New Mexico both tying for the conference title last season, alongside other strong competitors like Boise State.
Historically, the Sagarin ratings suggest that NDSU will face stiff competition in its new league. Out of the remaining Mountain West teams, UNLV, New Mexico, Hawaii, and Air Force rank significantly higher than NDSU”s home opponents. However, with the current dynamics of college football, including the transfer portal, past performance may not necessarily dictate future outcomes.
As NDSU embarks on this new chapter in the FBS, the Bison will need to navigate these challenges carefully. A successful rookie season in the Mountain West may hinge on their ability to secure victories in at least two of their four road games.
