North Dakota State and Sacramento State join FBS in 2026
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 18, 2026, 3:00 AM
Last updated Jun 18, 2026
North Dakota State and Sacramento State are set to elevate to the FBS in 2026, increasing the total number of teams to 138. North Dakota State, a prominent FCS program with ten national titles, joins the Mountain West for football only. Sacramento State, recently successful in FCS playoffs, will join the MAC on a football-only basis. However, both teams won't compete for conference championships or bowl games until after a mandatory two-year transition period, as stipulated by NCAA bylaws.
- •North Dakota State joins Mountain West for football in 2026.
- •Sacramento State joins MAC on a football-only basis.
- •Both teams face two-year transition, ineligible for postseason play.
- •FBS membership increases to 138 teams with these additions.
- •Sacramento State previously denied an FBS request by NCAA.
- 3:00 AMYahoo Sports — College Football Realignment Felt Among Non-Power Conferences In 2026
"North Dakota State and Sacramento State join the FBS in 2026 to increase its ranks to 138 teams. The Mountain West has a new look and the Pac-12 is rebuilt.
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