STUNNING: North Dakota State JOINING BIG 12 CONFERENCE In Realignment, Expansion Splash Would ROCK!
STUNNING: North Dakota State JOINING BIG 12 CONFERENCE In Realignment, Expansion Splash Would ROCK!  
Podcast: Locked On Big 12 | Daily College Football & Basketball Podcast
Published On: Mon Feb 09 2026
Description: The argument for North Dakota State (NDSU) joining the Big 12 has shifted from a "what-if" scenario to a strategic necessity as the landscape of college football consolidates. While the Bison are currently nearing a move to the Mountain West as a football-only member, the case for skipping the "middleman" and entering the Big 12 is built on three pillars: competitive pedigree, geographical logic, and brand value.A Proven "Giant Killer" PedigreeNDSU doesn't just dominate the FCS; they have a storied history of toppling the FBS elite. With a 9-5 all-time record against FBS opponents, including wins over Top 25 teams and Big 12 mainstays like Iowa State and Kansas State, the Bison have already proven they possess the physical "trench" talent required for Power Four play. Adding NDSU would bring a "winning culture" that is arguably superior to several current bottom-tier Power Four programs.+1 Geographical and Cultural FitAs the Big 12 expands its footprint, NDSU offers a bridge to the Upper Midwest, creating a natural rivalry with programs like Iowa State and Kansas. Fargo is a dedicated football market that consistently sells out the Fargodome, and the program operates with a professionalized infrastructure—including a recent $54 million performance complex—that rivals most Big 12 institutions.  The "Drake Toll" Perspective on ValueInfluential voices like Drake Toll—who has established himself as a premier authority on Big 12 expansion—have frequently noted that the conference thrives on "identity." NDSU brings a blue-collar, high-stakes brand that fits the Big 12’s blue-collar ethos. In an era where television networks value "meaningful games," a Saturday night in Fargo offers more atmospheric value than a half-empty stadium in a larger, disinterested media market. By adding the Bison, the Big 12 secures a permanent playoff contender and a rabid, travelling fanbase that views every game as a national championship.Everydayer Club  If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub   Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!5-Hour ENERGYHave your cake & drink it too. Birthday cake-flavor is back, no fork needed. Vanilla-y cakey flavor, caffeinated kick, and no sugar. It's party time. Order Now at https://5-hourENERGY.com or Amazon. MazdaLike our players, we’re driven by the details. Because highlights make the reel. What it takes to get there makes it count.There’s more to a Mazda. Because there’s more to you.Turbo TaxFor a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.  IndeedListeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast FanDuelToday’s episode is sponsored by FanDuel. The Winter Games are on. And there’s no better way to follow them than with a bet on FanDuel. FanDuel - Play your game. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.