North Dakota State in Deep Talks to Join Mountain West for Football: Report

North Dakota State University is in advanced discussions to join the Mountain West Conference as a football-only member, potentially starting this coming season. The school, known for its dominance at the FCS level with 10 championships, is close to finalizing a deal that has been in the works for over a year. This move comes as the Mountain West faces significant changes, with Boise State and four other schools leaving for the Pac-12 next year. UTEP will join the Mountain West as a full member, and Northern Illinois will join for football only.

North Dakota State's football program has a strong history against FBS teams, holding a 9-5 record since moving from Division II in 2004. The Bison's recent FBS matchups include victories over teams such as Kansas and Iowa, though they lost close games to Arizona and Colorado in their last two FBS outings. The Mountain West's invitation to North Dakota State is reportedly contingent on negotiations over a significant entrance fee.