What Division Is North Dakota State Football In?

By Sarah Miller · January 2, 2027

North Dakota State football competes in NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), where it has established itself as a dominant program with multiple national championships.

Understanding North Dakota State's NCAA Division

North Dakota State University (NDSU) fields its football team in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), formerly known as Division I-AA. Despite being in the FCS, NDSU is widely recognized as one of the most successful college football programs in recent history.

What Is the FCS?

The Football Championship Subdivision is the second-highest level of college football in the United States, below the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). Unlike the FBS, which uses a bowl system and a four-team playoff, the FCS determines its national champion through a 24-team playoff tournament sanctioned by the NCAA.

The FCS includes over 125 teams across multiple conferences.
Scholarship limits are lower than in FBS: FCS teams can offer up to 63 full scholarships, divided among 85 players.
The season culminates in a playoff bracket leading to a national championship game.

NDSU's Conference Affiliation

North Dakota State is a member of the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC), widely regarded as the toughest conference in the FCS. The MVFC consistently sends multiple teams to the FCS playoffs each year.

Key facts about NDSU’s conference alignment:

NDSU joined the MVFC in 2008 after transitioning from Division II.
The MVFC includes strong programs like South Dakota State, Southern Illinois, and Northern Iowa.
NDSU has won numerous MVFC titles since joining the conference.

NDSU Football Success in the FCS

Since moving to the FCS in 2008, North Dakota State has become synonymous with excellence. The program has set a modern standard for sustained success at this level.

Championship Dominance

NDSU won nine FCS national championships between 2011 and 2021, including an unprecedented five consecutive titles from 2011 to 2015. This dynasty status elevated the school's national profile.

Year	Record	Conference	Head Coach	National Champion
2011	13–3	Summit League	Craig Bohl	Yes
2012	14–1	Missouri Valley	Craig Bohl	Yes
2013	15–0	Missouri Valley	Craig Bohl	Yes
2014	15–1	Missouri Valley	Chris Klieman	Yes
2015	14–1	Missouri Valley	Chris Klieman	Yes
2017	14–1	Missouri Valley	Chris Klieman	Yes
2018	15–0	Missouri Valley	Chris Klieman	Yes
2019	16–0	Missouri Valley	Matthew Entz	Yes
2021	14–1	Missouri Valley	Matthew Entz	Yes

Table data source:1, 2

The table highlights NDSU’s remarkable consistency, with eight undefeated or one-loss seasons during championship years. Their ability to maintain elite performance across coaching changes underscores the strength of the program’s culture and recruiting pipeline.

Why Doesn't NDSU Move to FBS?

Despite their success, North Dakota State remains in the FCS. Several factors contribute to this decision:

Competitive Advantage: NDSU dominates in the FCS and regularly competes for national titles.
Financial Considerations: Moving to FBS requires significant investment in scholarships, facilities, and travel.
Conference Stability: There is no guarantee of FBS conference membership, which is essential for scheduling and revenue.
Institutional Priorities: NDSU prioritizes athletic and academic balance over chasing FBS status.

Frequently Asked Questions About North Dakota State Football

What division does North Dakota State football play in?

North Dakota State football competes in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), the second-highest level of college football in the U.S.

Has North Dakota State ever won a national championship?

Yes, North Dakota State has won nine FCS national championships—in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2021—making it the most decorated program in FCS history.

What conference is NDSU football in?

NDSU is a member of the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC), widely considered the strongest conference in the FCS.

Why is NDSU so good in the FCS?

NDSU excels due to strong coaching, disciplined recruiting, player development, and a winning culture built over decades. Its consistent access to top-tier talent within the FCS framework fuels ongoing success.

Will North Dakota State move to FBS football?

As of 2025, there are no official plans for NDSU to move to FBS. The university has emphasized stability and continued excellence in the FCS over pursuing FBS reclassification.