By Spencer McLaughlin of Locked on CFB for SuperWest Sports
February 9, 2026
North Dakota State has made an aggressive, expensive move to join the Mountain West as a football-only member starting in 2026.
The Bison understand the landscape.
On today’s episode of Locked On College Football, Spencer McLaughlin looks at the Mountain West and how it stacks up compared to the rest of the G6 conferences with NDSU in the fold.
Are their Playoff chances stronger?
Iowa was playing games in November with a Playoff berth on the line in 2025.
Could they be in the same position for 2026 with their schedule?
04:18 North Dakota State Football Legacy
09:02 Mountain West’s Future Uncertain
12:09 Mountain West’s Value & Challenges
16:10 North Dakota State’s FBS Transition
18:07 Conference Realignment and Opportunities
25:38 Iowa’s Unique Big Ten Schedule
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