North Dakota State Exec Makes Admission on FBS Schedule

North Dakota State University's football team, the Bison, has been making waves in the college football world for years. With multiple national championships under their belt, the Bison have proven themselves to be a force to be reckoned with on the field. However, their recent move to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) has presented some challenges, especially when it comes to scheduling. The 2026 schedule for the Bison has been finalized and it was no easy feat. In fact, one of the athletics executives at North Dakota State recently admitted just how difficult it was to pull together at the last minute. This admission sheds light on the hard work and dedication that goes into creating a successful FBS schedule. The Bison's move to the FBS was announced in 2017, and since then, the team has been working tirelessly to make the transition as smooth as possible. One of the biggest challenges they faced was creating a competitive schedule for the 2026 season. With only a few years to prepare, the pressure was on to secure quality opponents and create a schedule that would not only challenge the team, but also attract fans and media attention. In an interview with Heavy Sports, North Dakota State's Executive Director of Athletics, Matt Larsen, opened up about the difficulties of putting together the 2026 schedule. He stated, "It was definitely a challenge. We had to work quickly and efficiently to secure opponents that would provide a competitive schedule for our team." Larsen also mentioned the added pressure of being a new team in the FBS. "As a new team in the FBS, we knew that we had to prove ourselves and show that we belong in this division. So, not only did we have to find quality opponents, but we also had to make sure that our schedule would help us make a statement in the FBS." Despite the challenges, Larsen and his team were able to put together a schedule that is sure to excite fans and challenge the Bison. The 2026 season will kick off with a home game against a top-ranked FBS team, followed by a series of tough matchups against other FBS opponents. The Bison will also have the opportunity to face off against some of their former rivals from the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), adding an extra layer of excitement to the schedule. Larsen also expressed his gratitude towards the teams that agreed to play the Bison in the upcoming season. "We are extremely grateful to the teams that have agreed to play us in the 2026 season. It takes a lot of courage to schedule a new FBS team, and we appreciate their willingness to face us on the field." The announcement of the 2026 schedule has generated a lot of buzz and excitement among fans and media alike. It is a testament to the hard work and determination of the North Dakota State athletics department in making the move to the FBS a success. The Bison have proven time and time again that they are a powerhouse in college football, and their move to the FBS only solidifies their position as a top team. With a challenging schedule ahead, the Bison are ready to take on the FBS and show the world what they are capable of. In conclusion, the 2026 schedule for the North Dakota State Bison is a result of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. The athletics department, led by Matt Larsen, has done an exceptional job in creating a schedule that will not only challenge the team, but also showcase their talent and determination. As fans eagerly await the start of the 2026 season, one thing is for sure – the Bison are ready to make their mark in the FBS.