North Dakota State University is gearing up for a pivotal shift as it moves from the Football Championship Subdivision to the Football Bowl Subdivision, a transition that will reshape its football program in the coming years.
Reshaping the season calendar
Starting next year, the FBS regular season will open on the final Saturday in August, a change that promises broader broadcast windows and new scheduling possibilities for schools like NDSU.
The shift also brings a revised practice framework. The NCAA’s Oversight Committee is set to approve a proposal that will allow FBS programs to conduct two out‑of‑season practice sessions, amounting to 21 practices, while introducing organized team activities that extend into the spring and summer months.
For NDSU’s athletic director, Matt Larsen, the new calendar opens doors to strategic scheduling and expanded broadcast opportunities, elements that could affect everything from travel logistics to revenue streams.
Eligibility and roster dynamics
Player development will be a central focus. The new five‑year model grants additional seasons to athletes who have not yet exhausted a redshirt year, a rule that will affect how the roster is built and managed.
Among those benefiting are seniors such as Donovan Woolen, Jackson Williams, Ryan Babatz and Alijah Wayne, who now have an extra year of eligibility, while sophomore quarterback Preston Brown can now play four seasons without the need to redshirt.
Brown’s athleticism and progress during spring practices have sparked speculation that he could earn a more prominent role once fall camp begins, a development that could influence the team’s offensive schemes.
Looking ahead
The upcoming vote by the Oversight Committee in August will determine when the revised practice calendar becomes effective, with implementation slated for January 1, 2027, marking a decisive milestone for NDSU and other transitioning programs. Beyond the field, the move aligns NDSU with a broader realignment that includes partnerships with institutions like Sacramento State and engagement with the NCAA, both of which will play roles in shaping the future landscape of college football.