Bison Open FBS Era with Dominant Victory Over Jacksonville State
North Dakota State defeated Jacksonville State 33-7 in their first game as an FBS program, scoring 26 unanswered points after the first quarter. Quarterback Nathan Hayes threw for 160 yards and two touchdowns, while defensive end Blake Schlitz recovered a fumble in the end zone for a score. The Bison, who won 10 FCS national titles from 2011 to 2024, will host Fordham next before opening Mountain West play at Air Force.
The Bison’s debut showcased a balanced attack, with Hayes spreading the ball to seven different receivers while the ground game churned out 185 yards across three running backs. Kicker Drew Klein provided steady scoring with four field goals, and the defense forced two turnovers, including a sack by Kelton McCaslin and an interception by Marion Moore. Donovan Woolen anchored the unit with ten tackles.
NDSU’s move to the Mountain West follows a dominant FCS run that included ten national titles in fourteen years. The program now faces a transition schedule, hosting Fordham before opening conference play at Air Force, where the Bison will test their depth against a service academy’s option offense.
This victory could signal a smoother-than-expected transition for a program stepping up in competition, potentially influencing other successful FCS schools to consider similar moves. Fans of mid-major football may see increased parity and national exposure, while traditional power conferences might face added pressure in scheduling. The result may also boost NDSU’s recruiting profile, though sustained success against Mountain West opponents remains unproven.