The 2025 North Dakota State University (NDSU) Bison football schedule is not yet officially released. However, based on historical scheduling patterns, typical opponents, and conference affiliations, we can offer a speculative preview of what Bison fans might expect. This isn't an official schedule; always check the official NDSU Athletics website for the most up-to-date information as it becomes available.
Predicting the 2025 NDSU Football Season
NDSU's consistent success in the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) and its strong national reputation mean their schedule will likely be a challenging mix of conference games and strong non-conference opponents.
Potential Conference Matchups (MVFC):
The MVFC typically features a round-robin schedule, meaning NDSU will play every other team in the conference once. Potential opponents in 2025 could include:
- South Dakota State: This rivalry game is always a highlight, often featuring high stakes and intense competition.
- Northern Iowa: A consistently strong opponent that provides a tough test for the Bison.
- Illinois State: Another MVFC team capable of upsetting the Bison on any given Saturday.
- Southern Illinois: A team that has proven to be competitive in the MVFC in recent years.
- Youngstown State: A historical rival and always a tough matchup.
- Missouri State: A program that has shown improvement and could be a challenging opponent.
- North Dakota: The in-state rivalry game against the Fighting Hawks is always a must-see for North Dakota fans.
- Western Illinois: A team that is always looking to improve and potentially cause an upset.
- Indiana State: Another team in the MVFC that could present a challenge for NDSU.
- UNI: Adding another game against Northern Iowa to this potential schedule due to its competitiveness.
Potential Non-Conference Opponents:
NDSU often schedules strong non-conference opponents to test their mettle and boost their national ranking. While specific opponents for 2025 are not yet confirmed, potential candidates might include:
- FBS Opponents: NDSU has a history of playing FBS teams, offering a chance for a significant upset victory or a challenging test against higher-level competition. These games often involve travel to larger universities.
- Other FCS Powerhouses: Games against other top FCS programs would provide highly competitive matchups and potentially valuable rankings boosts. This could include teams from the Big Sky or Colonial Athletic Association.
Factors Influencing the Schedule:
Several factors influence the finalization of the NDSU football schedule:
- Conference Alignment: Changes within the MVFC or other conferences could impact scheduling.
- Travel Logistics: Balancing travel costs and competitive matchups requires careful planning.
- Opponent Availability: Securing games against desirable opponents requires negotiation and scheduling coordination.
Where to Find the Official Schedule:
Remember, this is a predicted schedule. To get the official NDSU football schedule for 2025, visit the official NDSU Athletics website. They will be the first to release the confirmed dates, times, and opponents. Stay tuned to their announcements for the most accurate information. Go Bison!
Disclaimer: This article provides a speculative preview of the 2025 NDSU football schedule based on historical data and common scheduling practices. The information presented should not be considered definitive. Always refer to the official NDSU Athletics website for the confirmed schedule.
