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The Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) and the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) are the two levels of NCAA Division I football. The FCS features a playoff system to determine its national champion, while the FBS uses a bowl game system. FBS programs generally have larger budgets, scholarships, and fan bases. FCS teams, like North Dakota State, compete at a lower level but have been successful, with NDSU winning multiple national championships.
North Dakota State is moving to the Mountain West primarily to compete at a higher level of college football, transitioning from the FCS to the FBS. This move allows NDSU to gain more exposure, attract better recruits, and enhance its football program's competitiveness. The decision aligns with the university's ambitions, especially given its history of success in the FCS.
Joining the Mountain West is expected to elevate NDSU's football program by increasing competition and visibility. This transition may lead to tougher matchups, which can improve player development and team performance. Additionally, it may attract higher-profile recruits and increase fan engagement, but it also comes with challenges, such as adapting to a more demanding schedule and the financial costs associated with the move.
North Dakota State has won 10 national championships in the FCS over the past 15 years, making it a powerhouse in college football. This remarkable success includes winning titles in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2021. Their dominance in the FCS has established them as one of the most successful programs in college football history.
North Dakota State will incur significant financial costs to join the Mountain West, reportedly exceeding $15 million. This includes fees paid to the conference and the NCAA. While the financial burden is substantial, the move may lead to increased revenue from ticket sales, television contracts, and sponsorships, potentially offsetting the initial costs in the long run.
FCS teams face several challenges when moving up to the FBS, including increased competition, higher operational costs, and the need for enhanced facilities. They must adapt to a more rigorous schedule and improve recruitment efforts to attract talent that can compete at the FBS level. Additionally, transitioning programs must navigate the complexities of new conference alignments and the expectations that come with higher-level play.
The Mountain West is considered a stronger and more competitive conference than most FCS conferences. It features programs that regularly compete at high levels of college football, including bowl games and national rankings. The level of athletic investment, facilities, and overall exposure in the Mountain West is significantly higher, providing an environment that fosters greater athletic and academic opportunities for student-athletes.
Several teams have made the transition from FCS to FBS in recent years, including Appalachian State, Georgia Southern, and Liberty. These programs have successfully navigated the challenges of moving up, often achieving competitive success in their new conferences. Their experiences provide valuable insights for North Dakota State as it prepares for its own transition to the Mountain West.
Historically, North Dakota State has developed rivalries with several FCS teams, notably South Dakota State and Montana. The rivalry with South Dakota State, known as the Dakota Marker game, is particularly intense, featuring close games and passionate fan engagement. These rivalries have contributed to NDSU's identity and tradition in the FCS, but they may evolve as the Bison transition to the Mountain West.
Adding North Dakota State to the Mountain West is likely to enhance the conference's competitiveness. NDSU's successful football program brings a strong fan base and a winning culture, which can elevate the overall level of play within the conference. This addition may also attract attention from recruits and media, potentially increasing the Mountain West's profile in college football.
