FARGO — Aloha, Bison.
The Mountain West Conference on Tuesday released its 2026 league opponents for each team, including a first-ever matchup between North Dakota State and the University of Hawaii.
Recent Conference, New Challenges
The schedule reveal did not include specific game dates. NDSU will host Nevada, Northern Illinois, Texas-El Paso, and Wyoming at Gate City Bank Field at the Fargodome. The Bison will travel to Air Force, New Mexico, and Nevada-Las Vegas in addition to their game in Hawaii. NDSU will not play San Jose State during the eight-game conference schedule.
Due to the fact that of the travel to Hawaii, NDSU is likely to open its season during “Week Zero,” the weekend of August 29. Mountain West teams traveling to Hawaii have the option to play their first game a week earlier than most FBS teams, potentially allowing for an additional bye week.
However, a bye week following the Hawaii game is not guaranteed. Of the seven teams that traveled to Hawaii last season, four had a bye the following week, while Wyoming played its final regular season game at Hawaii’s Clarence T. Ching Complex.
Associate commissioner John Sullivan stated that “The travel relief is something we try to take a look at when we’re building the schedule,” but added that the Mountain West is “looking at it holistically with all schools.” Sullivan, along with commissioner Gloria Nevarez and associate commissioner for communications Javan Hedlund, visited NDSU and Fargo last week.
Familiar and New Opponents
The trip to Las Vegas will see the Bison play in Allegiant Stadium, home of the Las Vegas Raiders. Air Force plays in the 39,441-seat Falcon Stadium in Colorado Springs, Colorado. NDSU will face Nevada, led by head coach Jeff Choate, who previously coached against the Bison at Montana State in 2018 and 2019.
Of the nine other Mountain West schools, NDSU has previously played Wyoming and Northern Illinois. The Bison hold a 2-0 record against NIU, with wins in 1968 and 1969, and were crowned College Division national champions in both years. NDSU is 25-26 against current FBS teams.
Northern Illinois was originally scheduled to play New Mexico next fall, but will now travel to Fargo due to NDSU’s admission to the conference. The Mountain West will determine its conference champion based on the two teams with the highest league win percentage.
The first FBS team to play a game in Fargo will be one of NDSU’s conference opponents. NDSU will play UNLV, Nevada, New Mexico, Air Force, and UTEP for the first time. The Bison are expected to maintain one FCS home game on their schedule, potentially against East Tennessee State or Austin Peay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will NDSU definitely have a bye week after playing in Hawaii?
We see likely, but not certain. Of the seven teams that traveled to Hawaii last season, four had a bye the following week, while Wyoming played its last regular season game there.
Which Mountain West teams has NDSU played before?
NDSU has previously played Wyoming and Northern Illinois.
Where will NDSU play its game against UNLV?
NDSU will play UNLV at Gate City Bank Field at the Fargodome.
As NDSU prepares for its first season in the Mountain West Conference, what impact will this new competitive landscape have on the program’s future?
Keep reading