A split image of the UND Fighting Hawks and NDSU Bison football helmets facing each other on a weathered, grassy field under a dramatic North Dakota sky.
A split image of the UND Fighting Hawks and NDSU Bison football helmets facing each other on a weathered, grassy field under a dramatic North Dakota sky.

The UND vs NDSU Rivalry: A North Dakota Football Tradition

The University of North Dakota (UND) Fighting Hawks and North Dakota State University (NDSU) Bison represent one of the most intense and historic rivalries in college football. This in-state battle between two premier North Dakota institutions has captivated fans for decades, creating memorable moments and fierce competition across multiple sports.

Historical Context

The UND-NDSU rivalry dates back to 1894, making it one of the oldest college football rivalries in the United States. The two universities, separated by just 75 miles along Interstate 29, have competed in various conferences throughout their history, including the North Central Conference and currently the Missouri Valley Football Conference.

Recent Football Matchups

As of November 2025, the rivalry continues with significant implications for conference standings. In their upcoming matchup, NDSU enters as the No. 1 ranked team with a perfect 9-0 record, while UND stands at No. 13 with a 6-3 record. The game is scheduled for the Alerus Center in Grand Forks, with both teams vying for Missouri Valley Football Conference supremacy.

The recent history between these programs has seen dramatic shifts. In 2023, UND achieved a landmark 49-24 victory over NDSU, marking their first win against the Bison since 2003. This victory was particularly significant as it ended NDSU's long-standing dominance in the series. However, NDSU responded in 2024 with a convincing 41-17 victory, reasserting their position in the rivalry.

Beyond Football

While football garners the most attention, the UND-NDSU rivalry extends across multiple sports, including basketball, hockey, and volleyball. The competition between the schools represents more than just athletic contests—it embodies the cultural and educational divide between eastern and western North Dakota, with each institution representing different traditions and academic strengths.

Fan Experience and Tradition

The rivalry games typically draw capacity crowds, creating an electric atmosphere at both the Alerus Center in Grand Forks and the Fargodome in Fargo. Fans from both schools travel extensively to support their teams, with watch parties held across the state for those unable to attend in person.

The games are broadcast regionally on Midco Sports and streamed nationally on ESPN+, ensuring that alumni and supporters across the country can follow the action. Radio broadcasts on the respective school networks provide additional coverage for fans on the go.

Conference Implications

With both schools now competing in the Missouri Valley Football Conference, the annual matchup carries significant weight for postseason positioning and conference championships. The game often determines playoff seeding and can impact the national rankings for both programs in the FCS landscape.

Looking Ahead

As the rivalry continues to evolve, both programs remain committed to maintaining the tradition while adapting to changes in college athletics. The annual matchup serves as a highlight of the North Dakota sports calendar, bringing together communities and creating lasting memories for players, coaches, and fans alike.

The UND-NDSU rivalry represents more than just a football game—it's a celebration of North Dakota's athletic heritage, academic excellence, and the passionate spirit that defines both institutions and their supporters.

The prompt for this was: und vs ndsu

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