Longtime FCS standard bearer North Dakota State seeks fresh challenge with leap to FBS
CBS Sports
by
Richard Johnson
February 13, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
North Dakota State, a powerhouse in Division I FCS football with an unprecedented 10 national championships in 15 years, is making history by becoming the first FCS program to move directly to the FBS level. This bold decision comes after a series of events that highlighted both the program's dominance and its growing ambition. Following their first playoff loss since 2004, NDSU decided it was time to challenge itself at a higher level, signaling a new era for the Bison program.
The move to FBS is not just about on-field success; it also requires significant financial investment. NDSU has committed $5 million to the NCAA for transition costs and a $12.5 million entry fee to join the Mountain West Conference over six years. Financially, the school will need to double its football budget from $8.4 million to around $16-17 million annually within two years. The Fargodome, NDSU's iconic home stadium, also needs renovations, particularly for premium seating and modernization, though funding challenges remain due to voter referendums failing in recent years.
North Dakota State’s decision to elevate to FBS reflects its confidence in competing at the highest level of college football. While the program has faced skepticism in the past, winning four national championships since 2016 has solidified support among fans. The school’s new $54 million football facility and fundraising efforts, which have raised over $25 million for the transition, demonstrate a commitment to building a sustainable FBS program.
The move also signals a shift in priorities for NDSU athletics. While attendance at early-round playoff games has declined, reflecting broader fan sentiment about the need for new challenges, the school is betting on long-term success in the Mountain West. The Bison will receive full TV revenue shares by 2032 and aim to challenge NCAA probation rules barring postseason play.
While this transition opens exciting possibilities for NDSU football, it also brings losses, such as the iconic Dakota rivalry with South Dakota State potentially being put on hold. However, the program’s ambitious leap to FBS marks a defining moment in its history, showcasing its ability to
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/13/2026