Get ready for some major changes in the world of college football! The Bison are on the move, and it's a game-changer for the Mountain West Conference.
According to the latest reports, North Dakota State University's football team is set to join the Mountain West Conference (MWC) exclusively for football, starting in the 2026 season. This move is a significant step up for the Bison, who have dominated the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) for years. ESPN's Pete Thamel broke the news, revealing that NDSU has agreed to a deal worth nearly $12 million to join the league and an additional $5 million to the NCAA for the transition from FCS to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS).
But here's where it gets controversial... NCAA rules state that teams transitioning from FCS to FBS cannot compete in bowl games or conference championships for two years. This means that even though NDSU is joining the MWC, they won't be eligible for these prestigious events right away. It's a rule that has sparked debate, as we saw with James Madison's situation in 2022 and 2023, where an undefeated record didn't guarantee a bowl game appearance.
However, there's a twist! The NCAA has made exceptions to this rule, as seen with James Madison and Jacksonville State in 2023. If there aren't enough eligible teams for bowl season, these transitioning teams can gain bowl eligibility. So, NDSU fans, keep your fingers crossed for a potential loophole!
The addition of North Dakota State to the MWC comes at a time when the conference is rebuilding after losing several key members to the Pac-12. Teams like Boise State, Colorado State, and others have left a gap, but the MWC is fighting back. Air Force, Nevada, and others have decided to stay, and the conference is welcoming new members like Hawaii and UTEP. With Northern Illinois and NDSU joining as football-only members, the MWC will have a full roster of 10 teams.
This move by North Dakota State is a bold statement, and it raises the question: Will the Bison be able to make an immediate impact in the FBS, or will they face an uphill battle due to the two-year bowl game ban? What do you think, football fans? Will NDSU dominate the MWC, or will they struggle to adapt? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
