North Dakota State Football Earned AP Poll Votes

The Bison secured six points in the latest AP Top 25 college football rankings released Sunday.

Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Football

Expressive sports illustration of a North Dakota State University football player in green and gold running on a field. — North Dakota State University football earned six points in the latest AP Top 25 poll, placing the Bison program 40th in the national college football rankings. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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North Dakota State University football has received six points in the latest AP Top 25 poll, placing the program 40th nationally. Three media members included the Bison on their ballots.

Why it matters

The recognition highlights the program status within the broader college football landscape as voters begin to acknowledge teams outside the primary Top 25.

The team earned 6 points in the AP Top 25 poll out of a total voting panel of 70 media members, while also securing 8 points in the AFCA Top 25 coaches poll. One voter ranked the Bison at No. 22, and two others placed them at No. 25.

The players

North Dakota State University

This Fargo-based institution is a prominent member of the collegiate athletic landscape.

The details

Three separate voters included the Bison on their ballots for the weekly AP Top 25 rankings. The points system awards 25 points for a first-place vote, with each subsequent ranking spot earning one point less.

September 20, 2026: The AP Top 25 poll was officially released.
October 3, 2026: The Bison host Wyoming for their homecoming game.

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Season Trajectory

The points increase reflects an upward trend for the Bison as they vie for greater national recognition. This shift in voting support may influence their standing if they continue to succeed throughout the remainder of the season.

With 6 points and a 40th-place ranking, the Bison remain outside the Top 25 bubble but are showing momentum in media voting. The team currently holds more support than in the previous week, when they earned only 3 points.

The takeaway

Gaining ground in national polls provides a morale boost for the team as they head into high-profile matchups. Maintaining this momentum will be critical for the Bison to continue climbing the rankings throughout the season.