Bison Challenge Postseason Ban in Move to College Football's Top Tier

February 11, 2026 - 03:56

North Dakota State University is formally petitioning for an exemption to a longstanding NCAA rule, seeking immediate access to the College Football Playoff and other postseason bowls upon its transition to the Football Bowl Subdivision this summer. The university will join the Mountain West Conference in July.

The current mandate requires programs newly moving to the FBS to undergo a two-year reclassification period, during which they are ineligible for the national championship playoff and the full slate of postseason contests. NDSU's leadership argues this transitional penalty is outdated and unfair, particularly for a program with a proven championship pedigree.

As the most dominant force in the Football Championship Subdivision, the Bison have won nine national titles since 2011. University officials contend their sustained excellence and infrastructure readiness demonstrate they pose no competitive risk to the FBS ecosystem. They believe the team and its passionate fan base should not be penalized with a waiting period.

This unprecedented request will ultimately be decided by the NCAA and the College Football Playoff management committee. A successful petition would set a major new precedent for future programs ascending to college football's highest level, potentially reshaping the traditional transition model. The decision will be closely watched across the collegiate athletics landscape.