North Dakota State has won at a record rate at the lower levels. The Bison are rumbling into the FBS

FARGO, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota State's journey to the highest level of college football has been marked by an exceptional run of success. The Bison, who had won ten national championships during their two-decade tenure in the Championship Subdivision, are now set to enter the FBS.

The ultimate entry point to the FBS came after the Bison suffered a heartbreaking loss to Illinois State in the Bowl Subdivision. Athletic director Matt Larsen acknowledged their near victory, stating, "We were really close already. I remember thinking to myself, 'If we don’t make this move, this might be the norm.'" The fan base's passion for the team had grown, prompting Larsen to believe that this new challenge would invigorate the program.

With the 2025 season beginning, North Dakota State will host Jacksonville State in their inaugural FBS game. They will then travel to Air Force for their Mountain West debut on September 12, marking another significant shift in the world of college football conference realignment.