# North Dakota State Bison 2026 football season > Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/north-dakota-state-bison-football-season > Updated: 2026-10-30T22:00:24.000Z. Sources: 13. Developments: 5. The North Dakota State Bison football team progressed through their season in October 2026. Following an undefeated 5-0 start, the team traveled to Allegiant Stadium to face the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels, entering the matchup as a 3-point favorite. By mid-October, the Bison held a 6-1 record and had secured bowl eligibility after a 31-17 victory over Nevada. This victory was highlighted by Jackson Williams, who recorded 251 all-purpose yards, including a 100-yard missed field goal return. The team subsequently traveled to Albuquerque for a significant Mountain West Conference matchup against the New Mexico Lobos on October 24. Entering the contest as 4.5-point underdogs, the Bison faced a Lobos team that was undefeated in conference play. Interest in the game was high, with ticket sales exceeding 29,000 toward a capacity of 37,440. New Mexico secured a 21-16 victory over North Dakota State during the contest. The Lobos established an early lead through a 29-yard touchdown run by Kiefer Sibley and a 2-yard run by Scottre Humphrey. A pivotal moment occurred early in the fourth quarter when senior safety Austin Brawley returned an interception 56 yards for a touchdown, extending the lead to 21-9. While Nathan Hayes connected on touchdown passes to Reis Kessell and Mekhi Collins, the Bison offense struggled, managing only 74 total yards. On October 31, North Dakota State defeated UTEP 31-7 at the Fargodome. Despite an early 7-0 deficit following an interception by Hayes, the Bison offense recovered. Hayes finished with 240 passing yards, one passing touchdown, and one rushing touchdown. The defense forced three turnovers and recorded four sacks, including a 46-yard fumble return for a touchdown by cornerback Marion Moore. ## Claims - North Dakota State defeated UTEP with a score of 31-7. (reported by 2 sources) - Nathan Hayes threw for 240 yards and one touchdown. (reported by 2 sources) - Marion Moore returned a fumble 46 yards for a touchdown. (reported by 2 sources) - North Dakota State improved to a 7-2 overall record. (reported by 2 sources) - The Bison offense has failed to score 28 or more points in five consecutive games. (reported by 1 source) - Reis Kessel had six catches for 85 yards and a touchdown. (reported by 1 source) - North Dakota State defense recorded four sacks. (reported by 1 source) - UTEP held a 7-0 lead early in the game. (reported by 1 source) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-30: North Dakota State defeats UTEP 31-7 in Mountain West football North Dakota State defeated UTEP 31-7, led by Nathan Hayes' 240 passing yards and a Marion Moore fumble return touchdown, improving the Bison to 7-2 on the season. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/north-dakota-state-defeats-utep-31-7-in-mountain-west-football ### 2026-10-25: New Mexico defeats North Dakota State 21-16 in college football Austin Brawley’s 56-yard interception return helped New Mexico defeat North Dakota State 21-16, extending the Lobos' winning streak to four games. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-mexico-defeats-north-dakota-state-21-16-in-college-football ### 2026-10-23: New Mexico hosts North Dakota State in key Mountain West football matchup New Mexico seeks a sellout crowd for a high-stakes Mountain West football game against North Dakota State in Albuquerque. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-mexico-hosts-north-dakota-state-in-key-mountain-west-football-matchup ### 2026-10-18: North Dakota State Bison to face New Mexico Lobos in college football The North Dakota State Bison travel to face the first-place New Mexico Lobos at University Stadium on October 24. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/north-dakota-state-bison-to-face-new-mexico-lobos-in-college-football ### 2026-10-10: North Dakota State faces UNLV in college football matchup Undefeated North Dakota State Bison face UNLV at Allegiant Stadium, with the game broadcasting on The CW Network. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/north-dakota-state-faces-unlv-in-college-football-matchup --- Cite as: North Dakota State Bison 2026 football season. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/north-dakota-state-bison-football-season