The Mountain West football schedule would remain at eight games if the conference adds to its membership, The Gazette was told.

Reports late Friday indicated North Dakota State is in talks to join the conference as a football-only member, perhaps as soon as the 2026 season. If the Bison, who have been the standard-bearer at the FCS level for years, joined, the number of football-playing schools in the Mountain West would reach 10.

Air Force’s 12-game football schedule is structured on eight conference contests, as the Falcons also play Army and Navy each season, an FCS opponent in the opener on Parents’ Weekend and keep one spot flexible. That slot is filled with the likes of UConn, Baylor and Arizona in upcoming years.

A source told The Gazette on Saturday that the conference schedule would not grow if membership moves to 10.

Yahoo Sports first reported on Friday evening that North Dakota State was in advanced talks to join the conference. The Fargo, North Dakota,  program has captured 10 FCS national championships since 2011, with the most recent title coming in 2024.

A transition from FCS to FBS involves a two-year probation period in which a school is not postseason eligible – though it could fill a bowl slot in Year 2 if there are not enough six-win teams. There is also a $5 million fee to move up as well as an undetermined amount to join the Mountain West that several outlets have placed at eight figures.

The Mountain West enters 2026 with Air Force, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico, Northern Illinois, San Jose State, UNLV, UTEP and Wyoming as its football-playing members as Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State and Utah State depart to join the Pac-12.