Bison Set Their Sights on the Mountain West
North Dakota State University’s football program is poised to step onto a bigger stage as it officially joins the Mountain West Conference, a move celebrated during Media Days in Las Vegas. The ceremony brought together university leaders, conference officials and a throng of reporters eager to witness the Bison’s ascent from the Football Championship Subdivision to the Football Bowl Subdivision.
Athletic director Matt Larsen addressed the assembled media, emphasizing the opportunity to compete at a higher level and the excitement of becoming part of the Mountain West. He noted that the transition had been years in the making and required navigating NCAA regulations, including the recent elimination of the two‑year postseason ban for schools moving from FCS to FBS.
A New Chapter for NDSU Football
The Bison’s recent recruits — Nathan Hayes, Darius Givance, Keenan Wilson and Griffin Empey — spent the day fielding questions from outlets ranging from WDAY‑TV to CBS, FOX Sports and The CW. Their presence underscored the heightened national attention on the program as it prepares for its inaugural FBS schedule.
Larsen highlighted the culmination of months of work, stating that NDSU has foregone a transitional “lame‑duck” season and is moving directly into conference play. He credited the Football Oversight Committee and the Division I Cabinet for their role in clearing the pathway to FBS competition.
Conference presidents and athletic directors later gathered in Scottsdale, Arizona, to welcome the new members — NDSU, Texas‑El Paso and Northern Illinois — signaling a fresh chapter for the league. The meeting served as an ice‑breaker, allowing the newcomers to connect with established peers and set the tone for future competition.