'It's going to take the entire herd:' Inside North Dakota State's $25 million race to become FBS contender
CBS Sports
by
Brandon Marcello
February 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
North Dakota State University (NDSU) is making a bold move from the FCS (Football Championship Subdivision) to the FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision) by joining the Mountain West conference. This transition isn’t just about survival—it’s a strategic play to position itself as a competitive force in college football’s top tier. The program has secured $25 million in donor commitments to cover entry fees, facility upgrades, scholarships, and other expenses tied to the move. NDSU athletics director Matt Larsen emphasized that the Bison have long felt they were ready for FBS competition, even while operating as an FCS program.
The journey to this point has been years in the making. NDSU has spent nearly two decades preparing for this moment, navigating shifting NCAA rules and rising costs. The decision to transition gained momentum after a series of key developments, including rumors during the NCAA Convention and swift fundraising efforts. By doubling their football operations and NIL budgets, adding 22 scholarships, and investing in facility renovations like those at the Fargodome, NDSU is signaling its intent to not just survive but thrive in the Mountain West.
The program’s financial and logistical preparations are impressive, but so too is its ambitious vision. administrators have outlined plans for salary increases, expanded recruiting efforts, new staff hires, and improved facilities to ensure the Bison can compete at the highest level. This isn’t about simply joining a conference—it’s about aiming to win it. Derrick Lang, NDSU’s executive associate athletic director, explained that the goal is to “go in there and win it,” not just be part of the league.
The move also reflects broader trends in college football, where realignment and financial investments are driving competitive landscapes. NDSU’s transition highlights how programs with strong FCS histories can leverage their success to make the leap to FBS. The Bison’s dominance in FCS—10 national championships in 15 years—underscores their readiness for the challenge, though declining attendance and a playoff game that drew just 10,464 fans have raised questions about fan support.
For sports enthusiasts, this story is compelling because it showcases the behind-the-scenes efforts required to elevate a program. NDSU’s willingness to invest heavily in its future reflects both confidence
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/19/2026