Program outlook
The Hawks joined Division I FCS in 2008 and transitioned from the "Fighting Sioux" name to "Fighting Hawks" between 2015-2016, following NCAA policy on Native American team names. The change came after the Standing Rock Sioux tribe did not approve retaining the old name, while the Spirit Lake tribe approved it. When the school's Board of Higher Education voted to retire the name in 2012, the Hawks were chosen in 2015 with 57.24% of the vote.
Since Oct 16: W 21-10 vs South Dakota State; L 23-26 at South Dakota; L 28-31 at Youngstown State. 6-4 this season.
The season's defining moment came on November 8, when North Dakota State clinched the MVFC title 15-10 over UND in what may be their final annual meeting. NDSU announced its move to the Mountain West Conference and FBS in February 2026, marking the second time realignment has interrupted the historic rivalry—first when the Nickel Trophy was retired after 2003, and now as NDSU departs for a higher level.
Through seven games in 2026, North Dakota is 5-2, with wins over Long Island (42-21), St. Thomas (62-26), at Portland State (47-23), at Indiana State (42-35) and Murray State (55-28). It lost 34-7 at Nebraska, then on October 10 lost 24-17 at Northern Iowa as a 13.5-point favorite.
Most weeks vanish. These didn’t.
2015
The nickname changed from Fighting Sioux (retired per NCAA policy on Native American team names) to Fighting Hawks, debuting on helmets September 1, 2016, a change driven by NCAA compliance and tribal consultation (Standing Rock did not approve retention)
Milestone
Under new head coach Eric Schmidt, UND finished 7-5 and reached the FCS playoffs, defeating Tennessee Tech 31-6 before losing to Tarleton State 31-13 in the second round
Moment of the year · 2026
Week 7 of 2026. An upset win.
Developing. The pipeline is real but still building volume.
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MVFC standing · 2026
North Dakota sits 6th of 9 in the MVFC at 3-3. Mid-conference — moves up or down depend on rivalry results and the late-season closing run.
| # | Program | Record |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Youngstown State | 5-1 |
| 2 | South Dakota State | 4-1 |
| 3 | South Dakota | 4-2 |
| 4 | Illinois State | 3-2 |
| 5 | Northern Iowa | 3-2 |
| 6 | North Dakota | 3-3 |
| 7 | Southern Illinois | 2-3 |
| 8 | Indiana State | 0-5 |
| 9 | Murray State | 0-5 |
Three gameday rituals — the ones outsiders never quite catch.
since 2001
The title stands as the program's highest achievement and the linchpin of North Dakota football identity.
since 2001
The dome provides a consistent home-field advantage and serves as a convention center for the community, grounding the program in civic identity rather than just athletics.
Most recent: 2023 — loss 35-42 (home). Last 5 postseason: 0-2.
