If you’ve ever stood in the middle of a frozen field in late October, somewhere between Fargo and Vermillion, you know. There is a specific kind of tension that exists only in the Upper Midwest. It’s not just the wind chill. It’s the weight of a century-old grudge.
The battle between the North Dakota State Bison and the South Dakota Coyotes—popularly known as NDSU vs. USD—isn't just a box score. Honestly, it’s a cultural touchstone for two states that don't get a lot of national airtime until election years or massive blizzards.
Most people outside the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) get this wrong. They see "North Dakota State" and think of the green-and-yellow dynasty that swallowed the FCS whole for a decade. They see "South Dakota" and think they're the underdog. But if you’ve been paying attention to the last few years, especially the 2024 and 2025 seasons, you’d know the "underdog" label is basically dead.
The Shift in Power Dynamics
For a long time, NDSU was the big brother. There’s no other way to put it. Between 2011 and 2021, the Bison weren't just winning; they were inevitable. But the Coyotes, led by Bob Nielson, stopped being a "tough out" and started being a legitimate threat.
Take the September 27, 2025, matchup.
The Fargodome was packed. 18,000+ people screaming their lungs out. On paper, NDSU was ranked No. 1. The final score, a 51-13 blowout by the Bison, suggested that order had been restored. But that single game doesn't tell the whole story of where these programs are right now.
The year before, in November 2024, the Coyotes pulled off a 29-28 thriller in Vermillion. It was one of those games that changes the DNA of a program. When you beat the Bison, you stop hoping you can win and start expecting it. That win was the Coyotes’ first over NDSU since 2023, and it proved that the "dynasty" had cracks.
What Really Happened in the 2025 Matchup?
You have to look at the personnel to understand why NDSU took the 2025 game so personally. Cole Payton, the Bison quarterback, was a human highlight reel that afternoon. He didn't just throw the ball; he dismantled the USD secondary.
Payton finished with four rushing touchdowns and over 130 yards on the ground.
He's a tank.
When you have a quarterback who runs like a linebacker, it breaks a defense’s spirit. The Coyotes, usually so disciplined under Nielson, looked a step slow. They were coming off a high from their 2024 victory, but the Fargodome has a way of humbling even the best teams.
Key Stats from the Latest Gridiron Clash:
- Total Yards: NDSU 500+, USD 160ish.
- The Payton Factor: Cole Payton accounted for 5 total TDs.
- Third Down Conversions: NDSU was nearly 60%, while USD struggled to keep drives alive.
It was a statement. But statements in the MVFC are usually written in pencil, not ink.
Beyond the Football Field: The Hardwood Battle
While football is the "main event" for many, the North Dakota State vs. South Dakota rivalry in basketball is arguably more chaotic.
The Summit League is a different beast.
Just look at the recent results from January 2026. On the men's side, USD recently took down North Dakota (the other guys) in a 62-39 defensive masterclass, but the real eyes are on the NDSU-USD matchups. Historically, NDSU has held a slight edge in the D-I era, but the Coyotes have a nasty habit of winning the games that matter for seeding in the Summit League Tournament at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center.
On the women’s side, South Dakota has been the regional gold standard for years. We’re talking about a program that made a Sweet 16 run and consistently makes NDSU’s life miserable. The Bison women have been closing the gap, sure, but playing in Vermillion is still where winning streaks go to die.
Why Do People Get This Rivalry Wrong?
Most national pundits lump NDSU, SDSU (the Jackrabbits), and USD into one big "Dakota" bucket. That’s a mistake.
The North Dakota State vs. South Dakota rivalry is unique because it's about identity. NDSU represents the "Powerhouse" status—the pride of Fargo and the legacy of the North Central Conference. USD represents the "Rising Star"—the school from the southern hills that refuse to be overlooked.
Also, can we talk about the fans for a second?
Tailgating in 10-degree weather is a lifestyle choice. If you walk through the lots at the DakotaDome or the Fargodome, you’ll see the same thing: incredible hospitality mixed with a very polite, very midwestern "I hope your team loses by forty."
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Season
What’s next?
The 2026 football schedule is already circling the calendars. NDSU is in a transitional phase—or as they call it, "reloading." They have the recruits. They have the infrastructure. But the rest of the conference has caught up.
South Dakota isn't going anywhere. Coach Nielson has built a roster that relies on rugged line play and a "no-name" defense that thrives on turnovers. If the Coyotes can find a consistent replacement for their graduating playmakers, the 2026 game in Vermillion is going to be a bloodbath.
Practical Insights for Fans and Bettors:
- Home Field is Real: In this series, the home team has won a disproportionate amount of the time over the last decade. The travel isn't long, but the crowd noise in those domes is suffocating.
- The Run Game Dictates the Clock: If NDSU can’t establish 200+ rushing yards, they become vulnerable. USD’s path to victory is almost always through "ugly" football—limiting possessions and winning the turnover battle.
- Basketball Variance: In the Summit League, throw the records out. These teams play twice a year, and the second game almost always goes to the team that lost the first one. Adjustments are everything.
The Bottom Line
The rivalry isn't just about who has more trophies in the case—though NDSU wins that argument for now. It’s about the fact that on any given Saturday, these two programs represent the absolute peak of FCS athletics.
Whether it's Cole Payton bulldozing through a gap or a USD guard hitting a buzzer-beater in Sioux Falls, the stakes never feel low.
📖 Related: Shohei Ohtani Pitching Stats Explained: Why the Numbers Don't Tell the Whole Story
If you want to understand the heart of North American sports, stop looking at the multi-billion dollar NIL deals in the SEC for a minute. Look at Fargo. Look at Vermillion.
Next Steps for the 2026 Season:
- Monitor the Transfer Portal: Keep an eye on NDSU’s defensive line depth. If they lose starters to the FBS, the gap closes further.
- Check the DakotaDome Renovations: The atmosphere in Vermillion has improved significantly with recent upgrades, making it one of the toughest places to play in the MVFC.
- Watch the Summit League Standings: The February stretch run will determine if these two meet in the tournament—a matchup that usually breaks viewership records for the league.
The rivalry is alive, well, and probably a lot more competitive than you think.