A look at the FCS national championship game shows one program more than any other – the North Dakota State Bison. Here’s a historical breakdown of their FCS playoff history.
North Dakota State’s return to the NCAA Division I FCS championship game is continuing what’s been one of the more dominating periods in college football history.
The Bison captured nine FCS national titles during an 11-season span between 2011 and ‘21 – a first on the NCAA, NAIA and JUCO levels – and will seek to make it 10 against Montana State in a highly anticipated showdown on Jan. 6 in Frisco, Texas.
“Never in millions of years when the Bison were going through the Division I transition and were not eligible for the playoffs did anybody think this was even remotely possible. How did they do it? A perfect combination of recruiting the right guys, coaching, some top programs leaving for the FBS and a physical style of play that nobody else could match,” said Jeff Kolpack, a long-time NDSU media member who wrote the definitive book “Horns Up: Inside the Greatest College Football Dynasty.”
The dynasty was set up in 2010 with two wins and a run to the national quarterfinals in the Bison’s first-ever FCS playoff appearance.
Following is how North Dakota State stacks up with other schools in the 47-year history of the FCS playoffs:
Most FCS Championships
9 – North Dakota State
6 – Georgia Southern
4 – Youngstown State
3 – Appalachian State
2 – Eastern Kentucky, James Madison, Marshall, Montana and South Dakota State
Most FCS Championship Game Appearances
11 – North Dakota State (9-1 prior to 2024 championship game)
8 – Georgia Southern (6-2) and Montana (2-6)
7 – Youngstown State (4-3)
6 – Marshall (2-4)
4 – Eastern Kentucky (2-2), James Madison (2-2) and Delaware (1-3)
Most FCS Playoff Wins
50 – North Dakota State University
45 – Georgia Southern University
39 – Montana
29 – Youngstown State
26 – Delaware and Northern Iowa
Highest FCS Playoff Winning Percentages
.909 – North Dakota State (50-5)
.793 – Marshall (23-6)
.776 – Georgia Southern (45-13)
.763 – Youngstown State (29-9)
.667 – Sam Houston (24-12), South Dakota State (24-12) and Boise State (8-4)
Most Consecutive FCS Playoff Appearances
17 – Montana (1993-2009)
15 – North Dakota State (2010-Present)
14 – New Hampshire (2004-17)
13 – South Dakota State (2012-Present)
10 – Eastern Kentucky (1986-1995)
8 – Appalachian State (2005-12) and James Madison (2014-Present)
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