North Dakota State Bison Football TV Schedule, Channels, Times
How to watch live stream North Dakota State Bison football game today, tonight, or tomorrow? What channel & time?
The North Dakota State Bison begin a historic new chapter in 2026 as they move to the Mountain West Conference and the FBS level after more than a decade of dominance in the FCS. Most conference games air on the CBS Sports Network, FOX Sports family of networks, or stream live on Mountain West Network, depending on the conference's television selections. The season also includes a nationally televised non-conference matchup at Air Force on FS1. Home games are played inside the Fargodome, widely regarded as one of the toughest venues in college football thanks to its packed indoor atmosphere and passionate fan base. Although the Bison are transitioning to the FBS and are not yet bowl eligible, nearly every game will be closely watched as fans see how one of the sport's most successful programs adjusts to a higher level of competition. The inaugural Mountain West campaign features several intriguing matchups against longtime Group of Five programs, including Wyoming, UNLV, Hawai'i, and San José State.
| North Dakota State Bison TV Schedule 2026 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date | Game | Time ET | TV |
| Week 1 (Sat, Aug. 29) | vs Jacksonville State | 6:30 PM | Mountain West Network |
| Week 2 (Sat, Sept. 5) | vs Fordham | 4:30 PM | Mountain West Network |
| Week 3 (Sat, Sept. 12) | @ Air Force | 10:00 PM | FS1 |
| Week 4 (Sat, Sept. 19) | @ Sacramento State * | 10:30 PM | CBS Sports Network |
| Week 5 (Sat, Sept. 26) | vs Wyoming * | 3:30 PM | CBS Sports Network |
| Week 6 (Sat, Oct. 3) | @ UNLV * | 6:00 PM | CBS Sports Network |
| Week 7 (Sat, Oct. 10) | BYE WEEK | — | — |
| Week 8 (Sat, Oct. 17) | vs Nevada * | 8:00 PM | Mountain West Network |
| Week 9 (Sat, Oct. 24) | @ New Mexico * | 10:00 PM | CBS Sports Network |
| Week 10 (Sat, Oct. 31) | vs UTEP * | 3:30 PM | Mountain West Network |
| Week 11 (Sat, Nov. 7) | vs Hawai'i * | 3:30 PM | CBS Sports Network |
| Week 12 (Sat, Nov. 14) | @ Northern Illinois * | 2:00 PM | CBS Sports Network |
| Week 13 (Fri, Nov. 27) | @ San José State * | 3:30 PM | CBS Sports Network |
* Mountain West Conference game. Home games are played at the Fargodome in Fargo, North Dakota.
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Which North Dakota State Bison games are worth watching in 2026?
Every week of North Dakota State's schedule carries extra significance because 2026 marks the program's long-awaited jump to the FBS. The first major measuring stick arrives on September 12 at Air Force, where the Bison make their debut against an established FBS opponent in a nationally televised game on FS1. Conference play begins the following week at Sacramento State, another former FCS power that is also making the transition to the FBS, creating one of the most anticipated matchups of opening conference weekend. Home games against Wyoming and Hawai'i will provide an early indication of how quickly North Dakota State can compete with longtime Mountain West members.
The second half of the season features several challenging road trips, including visits to UNLV, New Mexico, Northern Illinois, and San José State. While the Bison are ineligible for postseason play during their transition period, every victory against established FBS competition will strengthen the program's reputation ahead of full membership. With one of college football's most successful histories, a passionate fan base, and the intimidating atmosphere of the Fargodome, North Dakota State's inaugural Mountain West season is one of the most fascinating storylines in college football during 2026.
