North Dakota State Seeks Immediate CFP Access Amid FBS Transition

North Dakota State University (NDSU), a powerhouse in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), is making a bold move. The Bison are set to join the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and want immediate access to the College Football Playoff (CFP).

They’re known for a stellar record and a stack of national championships. NDSU has finalized a deal to join the Mountain West Conference as a football-only member starting next season.

But here’s the hiccup: NCAA rules slap a two-year probationary period on teams moving up, keeping them out of postseason play. NDSU plans to petition the NCAA for a waiver to skip this waiting period, arguing the rule’s out of touch and unnecessarily harsh.

Let’s dig into what NDSU’s asking for, what it might mean for the Mountain West, and the bigger debate about NCAA rules.

The Petition: A Push for Immediate Eligibility

NDSU wants the NCAA to let them play in the postseason right away, including the CFP and conference championship games. The current rule forces programs moving to the FBS to sit out for two years.

Matt Larsen, NDSU’s athletics director, calls the rule antiquated. He says it doesn’t reflect today’s game, especially with the transfer portal shaking up rosters fast.

Arguments for Change

NDSU’s case rests on a few main points:

• Competitive Readiness: The Bison have a 9-5 record against FBS teams and have snagged ten national championships in the last 15 years. That’s not nothing.
• Modernization: The rule was made before the transfer portal existed, and the sport’s changed a lot since then.
• Investment in Facilities: NDSU just opened a $54 million football facility, all paid for through private donations. They’re not cutting corners.

Impact on the Mountain West Conference

NDSU’s arrival hits the Mountain West at a weird time. Five schools are leaving for the Pac-12, shaking up the whole conference.

This could be NDSU’s shot to make a splash—if the NCAA lets them.

Financial Considerations

The money side isn’t simple:

• Revenue Sharing: NDSU won’t get a full cut from the Mountain West until the 2031-32 season. Still, if they make the postseason starting in 2026, they’ll get 50% of the CFP and bowl cash that goes to full members.
• Entry Fees: They’re paying $12.5 million to join the Mountain West (spread over six years) and another $5 million reclassification fee to the NCAA.
• Bonuses: If they reach the CFP before 2032, there’s a $1 million bonus waiting for them.

Challenges and Workarounds

Even with strong arguments, NDSU’s got a tough road ahead. The NCAA has shot down similar waiver requests before—James Madison, for example, went 10-0 during its transition and still got denied.

There’s a possible loophole, though: if fewer than 82 teams qualify for bowls, transitioning programs can fill in the gaps.

The Broader Concern

What if NDSU goes undefeated in the Mountain West but still can’t play for a championship? That’s the big worry.

Larsen sums it up: If you’re really trying to help a program succeed, let them compete for championships. That’s how you keep your players and hold your roster together.

Looking Ahead

Whatever happens with NDSU’s petition could shake up college football’s future. If they pull it off, other programs might follow and push for immediate postseason eligibility too.

The Mountain West is losing some big names, but bringing in NDSU might just kick off a new, wilder era for the conference. Who knows? It could get interesting fast.

North Dakota State University has filed a petition with the NCAA for immediate access to the College Football Playoff and other postseason competitions.

It’s a bold move, honestly—one that shakes up the usual way things are done.

NDSU brings a strong track record of success and has invested a lot financially in its program.

Plus, they’ve got the backing of the Mountain West Conference, which doesn’t hurt their case.

If you’re curious about the details or just want to dig in further, the full article is up at CBS Sports.