LISTEN: North Dakota State University Director of Athletics Matt Larsen’s conversation with The Flag’s Steve Hallstrom
FARGO, N.D. – North Dakota State University Director of Athletics Matt Larsen said he will apply for a waiver to allow Bison football to compete in the Mountain West Championship Game and a bowl game during the 2026 season.
NCAA rules prohibit teams moving up to the Football Bowl Subdivision from competing in conference championship games and bowl games for two seasons.
“That’s an antiquated rule. It’s overly punitive based on when it was put in place. A lot of things have changed since then. We’re going to fight that one pretty hard.” Larsen said on The Flag.
Larsen said one thing that has been different since that rule was put in place is the transfer portal. Some believe since the Bison won’t be able to compete for championships that players may transfer to a different program.
There is a loophole to the rule. Missouri State and Delaware were able to compete in bowl games during their first FBS season in 2025 since not enough teams were bowl eligible.
Larsen also said there are no requirements on how many seats need to be in a FBS team’s stadium. However, he wants to see upgrades made to the Fargodome since it’s “showing its age.”
