The North Dakota State Bison are known for their rich athletic tradition, with dominant programs in North Dakota State Bison football and North Dakota State Bison basketball. Representing North Dakota State University, the Bison have built a lasting reputation for excellence, teamwork, and championship success, making them one of the most respected names in NCAA athletics.
College Sports Established
1890
Location
Fargo, North Dakota
College Name
North Dakota State University
Collegiate History
2007 - Present / NCAA Division I
Conference History
2007 - Present / Summit League
Nickname
Bison - The North Dakota State Bison is a beloved college football team with an iconic mascot, but many people don't know the origin of their nickname. The history behind this name is quite interesting and goes back to the late 1800s when settlers first arrived in North Dakota.
North Dakota State Bison Origin
At that time, bison were plentiful on the Great Plains and served as a significant source of food for Native Americans living in the area. As more settlers moved into North Dakota, they began to hunt these animals for sport and sustenance. This caused a sharp decline in bison populations throughout much of America's Midwest region by 1900.
Despite this decline, however, there was still enough evidence remaining that made it clear how important these animals had been to those who lived here before them – so much so that when it came time for students at what would become North Dakota State University (NDSU)to choose their school’s mascot in 1922 they chose “Bisons” without hesitation!
In addition to honoring local heritage through its choice of mascot name, NDSU also paid tribute with its logo design, which features two crossed tomahawks above an American Indian chief wearing a traditional headdress - further reinforcing why "Bisons" was such an appropriate choice given all historical context surrounding them at that point-in-time!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
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- 2007
- 2009
- 2017
- 2022
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2007 Championship Triumph
In 2006 the Bison posted a 10–1 record that included a win over FBS Ball State. During a 2006 game against FBS Minnesota, NDSU led for much of the game, but a last-second field goal attempt was blocked by Minnesota, resulting in a 10–9 loss. The following season, the Bison won their first Great West Football Conference championship and achieved ... -
Summit League Champions
On February 28, 2009, the Bison men’s basketball team captured the Summit League regular-season championship, the school’s first at the Division I level, by defeating Oral Roberts 75–72 in Tulsa, OK. Two weeks later, NDSU earned its first men’s basketball NCAA berth by winning the Summit League Tournament played at Sioux Falls, SD. The Bison defeated Centenary 83–77 in the ... -
Bison’s Perfect Season
In the 2017 season, NDSU would return to the title game and avenge their loss the previous season, defeating James Madison in Frisco 17-13. The 2018 season would see one of the Bison’s most dominant seasons, especially since 2013, when the team went 15-0 for the second time in program history. The team only played one team in a one ... -
Bison Football Dominance
The Bison football team, which since 1993 played their home games at the Fargodome, was a dominant force in Division II. Through January 2022, they have won 17 NCAA National titles. Eight were at the Division II level (1965, 1968, 1969, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1988, and 1990) before moving up to Division I-AA (now FCS) in 2004 where they have ...
North Dakota State Bison History
The North Dakota State Bison stand as one of the most dominant programs in college athletics, known for their long-standing rivalry with the North Dakota Fighting Hawks. Since their first NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) title in 2011, the North Dakota State Bison football program has built an unmatched legacy, capturing multiple national championships and setting records that define excellence.
The university’s athletic journey began in 1890 when it was founded as an agricultural school. Over time, the North Dakota State Bison evolved into a nationally respected institution in both academics and athletics. Their football dominance began under head coach Craig Bohl (2003–2014), who guided the team to three straight FCS titles from 2011–2013. Success continued under Chris Klieman, who led the Bison to four additional championships from 2014–2017, a feat rarely seen in college football history.
While North Dakota State Bison football often takes the spotlight, the university’s other athletic programs have also flourished. The North Dakota State Bison basketball team has earned multiple Summit League titles and made NCAA Tournament appearances, further proving the school’s well-rounded athletic strength. In track and field, softball, and baseball, the Bison continue to compete at a high level, representing their university with pride and discipline.
Bison Achievements
Home games are held at the iconic FargoDome, where the electric atmosphere and passionate fans make every event memorable. The North Dakota State Bison basketball team also enjoys strong fan support at Scheels Center, where countless thrilling victories have taken place over the years.
The North Dakota State Bison have produced remarkable athletes who’ve gone on to professional careers, including Carson Wentz and Trey Lance in the NFL. Their dedication, teamwork, and resilience symbolize what it means to be a Bison.
Today, both North Dakota State Bison football and North Dakota State Bison basketball continue to represent the university’s winning culture. With a legacy built on hard work and success, NDSU remains one of the most respected programs in NCAA sports, inspiring generations of athletes and fans alike.
