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NDSU Challenges CFP, Demands FCS Inclusion

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, February 10th 2026 at 23:11 GMT by CBSSports.com
      Locale: UNITED STATES

Fargo, North Dakota - February 11th, 2026 - North Dakota State University (NDSU) is escalating its long-standing campaign for greater inclusivity within the College Football Playoff (CFP) structure, formally petitioning the committee to consider including teams from the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) in future playoff selections. The move, announced earlier today, comes on the heels of NDSU's dominant undefeated 2023 season culminating in a national championship victory - a feat the Bison believe underscores the viability and competitive strength of FCS programs.

The petition, initially revealed by ESPN two years ago and now receiving renewed attention, isn't simply about NDSU; it's a plea for broader recognition of the consistently high level of play within the FCS. NDSU contends that the current CFP model unfairly excludes a significant segment of college football, effectively creating a tiered system where deserving teams are automatically disqualified regardless of their on-field performance.

"For too long, the conversation around college football's postseason has centered solely on the Power Five and now, increasingly, the expanded CFP involving a wider range of FBS schools," states the petition. "While expansion is a positive step, it fails to address the fundamental inequity faced by FCS programs. We at North Dakota State have consistently proven we can compete - and win - against many of our FBS counterparts. To ignore this reality is to diminish the integrity of the playoff system."

And the Bison have a point. Data compiled over the last decade reveals a surprisingly frequent trend: FCS teams upsetting FBS opponents. While the wins aren't always against the elite programs, these victories consistently demonstrate that the talent gap isn't as wide as the current playoff structure implies. In 2025 alone, FCS teams secured nearly 30 victories over FBS schools. The argument isn't that NDSU, or any single FCS team, expects to routinely defeat the Alabamas and Georgias of the world, but that a team consistently demonstrating championship-level performance should at least be considered.

However, the path to inclusion is fraught with challenges. The CFP, even with its recent expansion to 12 teams, remains largely focused on FBS programs. Concerns about competitive balance, revenue generation, and logistical complexities are consistently cited as obstacles. Many within the FBS ecosystem fear that introducing FCS teams would dilute the prestige of the playoff and potentially lead to mismatches. Others argue that the revenue generated by the FBS playoff system is critical to funding programs across the nation, and that including FCS teams would disrupt this financial model.

"The financial considerations are definitely a hurdle," admits Dr. Emily Carter, a sports economist at State University of New York - Oswego. "The CFP is a massive money-making enterprise. Adding FCS teams introduces complexities in revenue sharing and broadcasting rights. There's also the question of guaranteeing FCS programs the financial resources needed to compete at that level."

NDSU acknowledges these concerns but proposes potential solutions, including a dedicated playoff pool for FCS teams, a play-in game scenario, or even a limited number of at-large bids based on a comprehensive ranking system that considers both FCS and FBS data. They argue that a collaborative approach can address financial concerns while ensuring a fair and competitive playoff landscape.

"We're not asking for a handout," emphasizes NDSU Athletic Director Tammi Reiss. "We're asking for a fair opportunity. We believe a merit-based system, where teams are evaluated based on their performance, is the only way to truly determine a national champion. The current system, while impressive in scale, fundamentally ignores a significant segment of the college football landscape."

The Bison's petition is already sparking debate within the college football community. While the CFP has yet to formally respond, the increasing frequency of FCS victories over FBS opponents, combined with the growing calls for greater inclusivity, suggest that the conversation is far from over. As the 2026 season approaches, all eyes will be on the CFP to see if they are willing to consider a future where FCS teams have a genuine path to the national championship.