ATLANTA (July 20, 2026) – North Dakota State University and Sacramento State are joining the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) for the 2026 season, increasing the number of FBS programs to 138; and Missouri State successfully completed its reclassification and will be full FBS member in 2026.
Both universities are entering FBS under a new NCAA rule that removes the previous two-year postseason restriction for transitioning institutions. As a result, North Dakota State and Sacramento State are eligible for bowl games and the College Football Playoff in their first FBS season. Missouri State completed its transition to the FBS and is now a full Conference USA member.
North Dakota State will compete as a football-only member of the Mountain West. Sacramento State will join the MAC. Both institutions will play their first FBS games on August 29. North Dakota State will host Jacksonville State in Fargo. Sacramento State will play at Eastern Michigan in Ypsilanti. Missouri State will begin its 2026 season at Texas A&M on September 5.
“Successfully navigating the Division I reclassification process requires vision, institutional commitment and disciplined execution,” said Russell Wright, founder and managing director of Collegiate Consulting. “We congratulate Missouri State, Sacramento State and NDSU on full-membership/joining the FBS and look forward to their continued success.”
Collegiate Consulting completed the FBS feasibility study for North Dakota State, updated in 2024 for MWC membership, and conducted an economic impact & branding valuation study for Sacramento State. In addition, Collegiate Consulting assisted with their FBS application and supporting document requirements. Collegiate Consulting completed Missouri State FBS Feasibility Study in June 2024 prior to their Conference USA invitation. Over the past two years, CC has assisted with Missouri State’s application and FBS-required Annual Reports.
The firm has also supported seven institutions with recent NCAA reclassification applications, including Missouri State, Jacksonville State, Sam Houston State and Kennesaw State for Conference USA, and is currently conducting FBS studies for three FCS universities.