North Dakota State, the Soccer Championship Subdivision powerhouse, is in talks with the Mountain West to maneuver up and be part of the convention as a football-only member for this upcoming season, an individual briefed on the discussions informed The Athletic.
NDSU has received 10 FCS nationwide championships since 2011 and has lengthy thought-about a transfer as much as the Soccer Bowl Subdivision, particularly as longtime FCS rivals like James Madison and Sam Houston moved as much as FBS over time. But, NDSU’s location had at all times made the transfer a harder match. The Bison are at present within the Missouri Valley Soccer Convention, with most different sports activities within the Summit League.
The varsity launched an announcement on social media Saturday morning addressing “media experiences.”
“North Dakota State College is repeatedly concerned in conversations about the way forward for collegiate athletics, together with convention affiliation. We’re conscious of media experiences and may have no additional feedback,” the assertion learn. “Our focus stays on supporting our college students, school and employees, and honoring our educational and analysis commitments as a pupil‑targeted, land‑grant, analysis college, and speaking straight with our neighborhood when there’s definitive data to share.”
NDSU soccer is 9-5 in opposition to FBS opponents since shifting as much as FCS in 2004, together with wins in opposition to Iowa, Iowa State and Minnesota twice.
The Mountain West is about to separate this summer season, with Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State and Utah State transitioning to the rebuilt Pac-12. In response, the MW is including UTEP as a full member and Northern Illinois as a football-only member, together with non-football members in Grand Canyon and UC Davis. The Mountain West and Pac-12 stay in a authorized struggle over $150 million in exit and poaching charges owed to the MW.
The league’s remaining members embody Air Pressure, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico, San Jose State, UNLV and Wyoming. The potential addition of NDSU would give the Mountain West 10 soccer members.
Coached by Tim Polasek for the previous two seasons, the Bison received the 2024 FCS championship and began the 2025 season 12-0, earlier than an upset loss to Illinois State within the playoffs.
A deal shouldn’t be full, however the sides are in deep conversations that can doubtless proceed into subsequent week. Such a transfer would require a hefty entry payment to hitch the Mountain West, together with a $5 million NCAA payment to maneuver up from FCS to FBS, which might develop to 137 members if the transfer occurs.
The Mountain West accomplished its new TV deal on Tuesday, which spans from fall 2026 to summer season 2032 with Fox Sports activities, CBS Sports activities and The CW.
Yahoo Sports activities first reported the discussions.
