Talks surrounding North Dakota State potentially making the jump from the FCS to the FBS have started to heat up, with the Mountain West emerging as a possible landing spot. While most of the focus has been squarely on the Bison, a national analyst has now floated the idea that NDSU may not be alone in making the move.
South Dakota State Football Might Be Next in Line for an FBS Jump
Barstool Sports’ Liam Blutman added fuel to the fire with a tweet that immediately caught the attention of college football fans across the country. Quote-tweeting news about NDSU’s potential transition, Blutman wrote:
“The King is finally gonna leave its castle. I’d assume South Dakota State moves up too. Not sure what Montana and Montana State do. There’d been talks for awhile that those 3 programs would wanna join NDSU in FBS so I’ll be very interested to see what happens.”
The King is finally gonna leave its castle.
I’d assume South Dakota State moves up too.
Not sure what Montana and Montana State do.
There’d been talks for awhile that those 3 programs would wanna join NDSU in FBS so I’ll be very interested to see what happens https://t.co/N6ecR4E9rz
— Liam Blutman (@Blutman27) February 7, 2026
If North Dakota State does indeed pull the trigger on an FBS move, South Dakota State following suit would make sense on multiple levels. The two programs have defined the modern FCS era, routinely trading national championships and producing NFL-level talent. A joint move would represent one of the most significant FCS-to-FBS transitions in recent history.
North Dakota State’s résumé speaks for itself. Since 2011, the Bison have captured 10 national championships, including their most recent title in 2024. They’ve also proven they can compete with higher-level competition, posting a 9–5 all-time record against FBS opponents, highlighted by five wins over Power Conference programs.
The timing could also align with a shifting landscape in the Mountain West. With Boise State departing for the retooled Pac-12, the conference is searching for programs that can bring immediate credibility and competitiveness.
According to PFSN’s CFB Impact Grades, UNLV currently stands as the top returning Mountain West team, earning 76.9 and 67.0 offensive and defensive grades in the 2025 season, solid numbers but hardly untouchable for a program like NDSU or SDSU entering with championship pedigrees.
South Dakota State, meanwhile, has quietly built a profile that suggests it’s more than ready for the jump. The Jackrabbits have won two FCS national championships and haven’t posted fewer than eight wins in a season since 2011. Their consistency, depth, and physical style mirror what has allowed North Dakota State to dominate for over a decade.
Talent has never been the issue for either program. NDSU quarterback Cole Payton is currently ranked as the No. 9 quarterback on PFSN’s 2026 NFL Draft consensus big board, a clear indicator of the caliber of players coming out of Fargo.
South Dakota State has similar proof, including wide receiver Griffin Wilde, who transferred to Northwestern and led the Wildcats this season with 61 receptions for 783 yards and six touchdowns in the Big Ten.
Those are just a few examples among many. Both programs have sent players to the NFL, developed elite coaching staffs, and built winning cultures that translate beyond the FCS level.
If the Mountain West, or another FBS conference, decides to bet on North Dakota State, adding South Dakota State alongside them could amplify the impact. Rivalries, built-in fan interest, and immediate on-field competitiveness would follow.
The proof is already there. The talent is there. The coaching is there. Now, college football may finally be ready to see whether these FCS giants can test it all at the next level.
