NDSU’s Move to the Mountain West Conference

North Dakota State University has accepted an invitation to join the Mountain West Conference and compete at the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) level for football only.

This decision reflects years of thoughtful and long-term planning. It builds on decades of competitive excellence and aligns with NDSU’s mission as a student-focused, land-grant, research university. Joining the Mountain West positions NDSU to expand opportunity, strengthen academic and research partnerships and extend the university’s impact across the region and the nation.

NDSU Bison football player catching the football in the endzone for a touchdown

Mountain West Conference Teams

NDSU will compete in a Mountain West football lineup that includes Northern Illinois, UTEP, Air Force, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico, San José State, UNLV and Wyoming.

NDSU is moving to the Mountain West Conference

FAQ

This transition is about alignment and opportunity.

Joining the Mountain West Conference connects NDSU with institutions that share similar missions, values and commitments to student success. At the FBS level, conference affiliation supports national visibility, competitive excellence and opportunities that extend beyond athletics, benefiting academics, research, workforce connections and community engagement.

The Mountain West is a strong fit for NDSU academically, geographically and competitively.

No changes to tuition are being made as a result of this announcement. Any future proposals would follow established review and approval processes.

NDSU’s academic mission remains the priority. The football transition will be planned and funded through a phased approach with support from athletics-generated revenues and private giving.

NDSU Bison Football will begin competing at the FBS level in Fall 2026. Additional details about competition schedules will be shared as they are finalized.

There are no facility or attendance requirements for FBS football, so the Fargodome can host FBS football games immediately. NDSU has made significant facility and operational improvements over time and will continue evaluating needs as part of implementation planning.

No. This is a football‑only transition. All other NDSU athletics programs will remain in their existing conference alignments and continue operating as they do now.

Moving Forward Together

This transition represents an important moment for North Dakota State University, one built on planning, purpose and the strength of its people. As NDSU takes this next step, the university remains grounded in its mission and focused on the students and communities it serves.