NDSU Mountain West Move Sparks Montana FBS Debate

The news that rocked the FCS landscape over the weekend: North Dakota State is moving up to the Mountain West in football in 2026.

The news first broke last Friday when Ross Dellenger wrote on Twitter. The reported cost will be $17 million. $5 million to the NCAA, and the rest is going to the Mountain West Conference.

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It's a steep price to move up to the FBS, and now Griz fans are discussing on Twitter whether or not we are following suit.

My answer: I have no idea.

I have heard so many rumors over the last four seasons about Montana and Montana State flirting with the FBS and the Mountain West Conference. North Dakota State play-by-play voice Sam Neidermann echoed that sentiment. Neidermann didn't believe the rumors until the ink dried.

If, and it's a big if, a change happens, it won't be this year, and who knows when it would be. The Montana schools would need an invite from a conference, something that Sacramento State is struggling with as we speak. And this year, neither team received an invite, at least from the Mountain West.

The Griz and Cats would have to move together, as well.

As someone who covers the Grizzlies, do I want Montana to move up to the FBS? I'm mixed on it, but for the most part, yes.

I'd rather have the Griz play at the FBS level, in terms of on-field competition and fanbases. Montana and Montana State are closer to Wyoming or Air Force in terms of on-field competition than to the University of San Diego, the University of New Haven, or even in-conference foes like Northern Colorado.

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Plus, those Mountain West schools almost all have better or bigger fan bases and more fan interest than most of the Big Sky. Are the Mountain West fan bases perfect? No, but I'd rather attend a game at UNLV instead of Northern Colorado.

Plus, plus, I'd rather just play at the highest level of football that we can reach. More eyeballs, more attention, more meaningful.

It's more fun to play at those bigger Mountain West schools, sure, but there are some questions to consider.

1) There will be a 2-year probation period for competing for championships. NDSU is appealing its probation.

Would you be ok with a 2-year probation?

2) Are bowl games better than the FCS Playoffs? Would you get hyped for Montana playing in the Las Vegas Bowl over a quarterfinals matchup against South Dakota?

Again, I have no clue if anything will happen in the future. It costs a lot of money. There are requirements needed.

Either way, we will make the best of either situation.