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North Dakota State Bison football

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North Dakota State Bison football
NameNorth Dakota State Bison football
Founded1894
StadiumFargodome
Capacity18,700
CityFargo, North Dakota
ConferenceMissouri Valley Football Conference
DivisionFCS
Head coachTim Polasek
Athletic directorMatt Larsen
Fight song"On Bison"
MascotThundar
RivalriesSouth Dakota State (Dakota Marker), University of North Dakota (Nickel Trophy)
National titles17 (College Division/Division II: 1965, 1968, 1969, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1988, 1990; FCS: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021)
Conference titles33
Bowl record2–0 (FCS Kickoff)
Playoff appearances19 (FCS)
Playoff record50–4
Consensus all americans45
Current year2024 season

North Dakota State Bison football represents North Dakota State University in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). The program competes in the Missouri Valley Football Conference and is renowned for its sustained dominance at the FCS level, having won a record nine national championships since 2011. Based in Fargo, North Dakota, the Bison play their home games at the indoor Fargodome, creating one of the most formidable home-field advantages in all of college football.

History

The program's origins trace back to 1894, with early competition against regional schools like the University of North Dakota and University of Minnesota. Under the guidance of coaches such as Stanley Borleske and Darrell Mudra, the Bison established a powerhouse in the College Division and later NCAA Division II, capturing eight national titles. The transition to Division I-AA (now FCS) in 2004 marked a new era, with Craig Bohl building the foundation for unprecedented success. The tenure of Chris Klieman and continued leadership under Matt Entz saw the Bison achieve a historic "five-peat" of FCS national championships from 2011 to 2015, a feat unmatched in modern college football. This period included landmark victories over FBS programs like the Kansas State Wildcats and the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Championships and accolades

North Dakota State has won a combined 17 national championships across the College Division, Division II, and FCS, the most by any program at the subdivision's level. The team's nine FCS titles, all won since 2011, are an FCS record. The Bison have also claimed 33 conference championships across affiliations with the North Central Conference and the Missouri Valley Football Conference. The program has produced numerous major award winners, including recipients of the Walter Payton Award (given to the FCS offensive player of the year), the Buck Buchanan Award (FCS defensive player of the year), and the Eddie Robinson Award (FCS coach of the year). Their consistent top-four playoff seeding reflects their perennial contender status.

Facilities

The Bison play their home games at the Fargodome, a multi-purpose indoor stadium opened in 1992. The facility is known for its deafening crowd noise, which has contributed to the team's exceptional home winning percentage. The team's daily football operations and training are based at the Sanford Health Athletic Complex, which houses the Gina and Mike Driscoll Hall of Champions, locker rooms, and state-of-the-art training facilities. Adjacent practice fields, including an indoor field at the Bison Sports Arena, allow for year-round preparation.

Rivalries

The program's primary rivalry is with South Dakota State, contested for the Dakota Marker trophy since 2004; this matchup has frequently decided the Missouri Valley Football Conference championship and featured in multiple FCS national championship games. The historic rivalry with the University of North Dakota is played for the Nickel Trophy and dates back to 1894. Other significant conference rivalries include those with the South Dakota Coyotes and the Northern Iowa Panthers, with annual games carrying major implications for playoff positioning.

Notable players and coaches

Legendary coaches include Darrell Mudra, who won three national titles, and modern architects of the dynasty Craig Bohl and Chris Klieman. Notable alumni in the NFL include Carson Wentz (Philadelphia Eagles, Indianapolis Colts), who was the second overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, Joe Haeg (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), Billy Turner (Green Bay Packers), and Trey Lance (Dallas Cowboys), the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Award-winning FCS stars from the program include quarterback Easton Stick, linebacker Grant Olson, and offensive lineman Zack Johnson.

Seasons and records

The Bison have made 19 FCS playoff appearances, holding an astounding 50–4 postseason record since 2010. The 2013 team finished a perfect 15–0, while the 2018-2019 squads achieved a 33-game winning streak. The program boasts numerous undefeated regular seasons and holds the record for most consecutive FCS championship game appearances (2011-2015, 2017-2019). Annual season openers, such as the FCS Kickoff game, and high-profile matchups against FBS opponents are hallmarks of the modern schedule. The team's all-time winning percentage ranks among the highest in college football history.

Category:North Dakota State Bison football Category:NCAA Division I FCS football teams Category:Missouri Valley Football Conference Category:Sports in Fargo, North Dakota Category:1894 establishments in North Dakota