(contributed/NDSU)
FARGO (KFGO) — As reports of the possibility of NDSU football moving to FBS, the university says it won’t comment.
A statement from NDSU says, “North Dakota State University is regularly involved in conversations about the future of collegiate athletics, including conference affiliation. We are aware of media reports and will have no further comments.
Our focus remains on supporting our students, faculty and staff, and honoring our academic and research commitments as a student‑focused, land‑grant, research university, and communicating directly with our community when there is definitive information to share.”
ORIGINAL REPORT:
NDSU football could move up to the FBS and join the Mountain West conference as a football-only member as soon as this weekend.
Yahoo Sports was first to report the ongoing negotiations Friday.
The Mountain West is serious about adding NDSU, and the two are negotiating the entry fee, according to sources who spoke to Yahoo Sports. NDSU could pay up to eight-figures to join the conference, in addition to a $5 million NCAA fee.
If a deal is reached, the Bison would join the Mountain West before this fall. NDSU would be the 10th team in the conference.
Air Force, University of Nevada-Las Vegas, Nevada, New Mexico, San Jose State, Wyoming, and Hawaii are the current remaining members of the conference. Northern Illinois and University of Texas-El Paso are joining the conference in July. Boise State, San Diego State, Utah State, Colorado State and Fresno State are leaving to join the Pac-12 Conference.
North Dakota State is the most successful program in FCS history. The school has won 10 national championships since 2011. The program has also produced several high-level NFL draft prospects, including quarterbacks Carson Wentz and Trey Lance. Two former NDSU players, Grey Zabel and Jalen Sundell, are playing in the Super Bowl for Seattle.
If a deal is finalized, NDSU’s other sports would continue to play in the Summit League.
Comments