North Dakota State's promotion to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) signals the end of an era for its long-standing rivalries with other Dakota-based institutions. A sports journalist from the Fargo Forum has drawn parallels to past shifts in collegiate athletics, emphasizing that the future reunion of these teams is far from guaranteed. This move by NDSU, a dominant force in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) with ten national titles in fifteen years, underscores the volatile nature of modern college football, influenced by name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals, player transfers, and conference realignments.
While NDSU transitions to the Mountain West Conference, its former FCS competitors—North Dakota (UND), South Dakota State (SDSU), and South Dakota (USD)—have yet to receive similar invitations to the higher division. SDSU, in particular, has emerged as a significant challenger to NDSU's FCS dominance, culminating in back-to-back national championships, including a decisive victory over the Bison in 2022. Despite this success, SDSU's path to FBS remains uncertain, though its strong performance makes it a potential candidate for conferences like the Mountain West, MAC, or Conference USA.
Both UND and USD have also demonstrated increasing competitiveness against NDSU in recent years, with notable upset victories. These teams, alongside other former FCS powerhouses like Missouri State, could realistically make the leap to FBS if the opportunities arise. The departure of NDSU from the FCS scene reshapes the competitive landscape, potentially allowing other programs to establish new dynastic runs within their respective conferences.
The journey of collegiate athletic programs, particularly in football, serves as a compelling narrative of ambition, adaptation, and perseverance. As teams navigate the ever-changing tides of conference affiliations and competitive structures, their pursuit of excellence and the establishment of new legacies inspire not only their fan bases but also underscore the dynamic spirit of sportsmanship and achievement.
