When you think of FCS football, chances are that North Dakota State is the first team that comes to mind. 

Since taking the leap to the FCS level in 2004, the Bison established a dynasty, amassing 13 conference championships, including 12 with the MVFC, and 10 FCS National Championships.

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But all good things come to an end, and after a shocking defeat as the No. 1 seed to Illinois State in the 2025 FCS, it’s officially a new era for the Bison.

But that's not the only major change in college football this season. Here's every college football move to know ahead of the 2026 season.

What Conference Will NDSU Be Playing In This Season?

Starting with the 2026 season, North Dakota State will be moving into the Mountain West Conference.

The new-look conference will look completely different this upcoming season. Long-time members Boise State, San Diego State, Colorado State and Fresno State have moved to the Pac-12.

In addition to North Dakota State, the MWC also added Texas at El-Paso (UTEP) and Northern Illinois to the conference. 

Sacramento State Makes The Move To The FBS Level

Sacramento State will also be making the move to the FBS level, joining the Mid American Conference (MAC) which on the surface appears to be a risky decision.

The Hornets finished the last two seasons unranked in the FCS. The program has three conference championships this century and no FCS National Championships.

So why the move to the MAC? The move represents a winning and economic commitment to the football program from the university. 

Sac State made waves when former top 50 recruit and Arizona State QB Jaden Rashada committed to the program in 2025. The university is dedicated to making noise again.

Conference Changes For FCS Programs

Conference realignment has been a major factor in Division 1 FBS football, and at the FCS level there’s been just as much movement.

Multiple teams are joining new conferences ahead of the 2026 college football season. These are the changes to track:

• William & Mary: CAA to Patriot League
• Villanova: CAA to Patriot League
• Utah Tech: UAC to Big Sky 
• Southern Utah: UAC to Big Sky
• Sacred Heart: Independent to CAA
• Tennessee Tech: OVC to SoCon
• Chicago State: New FCS Program
• West Florida: D2 GSC to UAC

Conference Changes For D2 Programs

Multiple football programs will have new homes at the Division 2 level. These are the new D2 programs in 2026.

• Lackawanna: JUCO to PSAC
• Monroe (NY): JUCO to D2 Independent

Conference Changes For D3 Programs

Massive changes have come to the D3 level. These are the new D3 programs in 2026.

• Azusa Pacific: Revived Program to SCIAC
• Gallaudet: ODAC to SCAC
• Luther: ARC to MWC
• McMurry: SCAC to ASC
• Saint Francis (PA): FCS NEC to PAC
• Schreiner: Revived Program to ASC
• Washington (MO): CCIW to NCAC
• Whittier: Revived Program to SCIAC

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