North Dakota State University Bison Football Team Honored at White House for 2025 FCS Championship

Washington, D.C. – The North Dakota State University (NDSU) Bison football team was welcomed to the White House on April 9, 2025, by President Donald J. Trump to celebrate their 10th NCAA Division I FCS national championship title, secured earlier this year. The visit, which also included a stop at the U.S. Capitol, marked a significant moment for the team as they were recognized for their 2025 championship win, their fourth FCS title in the last decade.

The Bison clinched the 2025 FCS championship on January 6, defeating Montana State 35-32 in a thrilling matchup. This victory added to NDSU's storied legacy as the most successful program in FCS history, with a total of 18 national championships across divisions, including 10 at the FCS level since 2011. According to NCAA records, the Bison now hold four more FCS titles than Georgia Southern, which has six, cementing their dominance in the subdivision. Since moving to FCS in 2004, NDSU has also amassed the most regular season and playoff wins among FCS teams since 2010, as reported by NCAA.com.

The White House event took place in the historic East Room, a setting notable for its grandeur and history. The room features a chandelier installed during the 1902 Theodore Roosevelt renovation, a detail highlighted by the White House Historical Association. The chandelier, originally crafted by Christoph Palme & Co. of Bohemia, was part of a larger redesign by architects McKim, Mead & White, who sought to modernize the White House with electric lighting fixtures at the time.

President Trump praised the team during the ceremony, calling them "State Bison" and celebrating their achievement on the national stage.

This White House visit continues a long-standing tradition of hosting championship teams, though the practice has faced scrutiny in recent years. According to a 2019 Business Insider report, during President Trump's first term from 2017 to 2019, only 10 out of 20 major sports champions attended White House ceremonies, with some teams declining invitations or not being invited at all. Despite the controversies, NDSU's visit appeared to be a moment of unity and celebration, with the team proudly representing their university and state.

"In North Dakota, we take pride in our agriculture, our energy, and our North Dakota State University Bison," said Representative Kelly Armstrong (R-ND), who joined the team during their Washington, D.C. visit, as quoted by Valley News Live. The Bison's success has become a point of pride for the state, with their consistent excellence on the field drawing national attention.

NDSU's football program has a rich history of producing talent, including the university's first Walter Payton Award winner, quarterback Trey Lance, who earned the honor in 2019 for outstanding FCS offensive play. That season, Lance threw 41 touchdowns with zero interceptions, a remarkable feat that helped lead the Bison to another championship. The team's dominance is further evidenced by their postseason record: since becoming eligible for FCS playoffs in 2008, the Bison have a 51-5 record, including a streak of 22 consecutive playoff wins from 2011 to 2016, according to Wikipedia.

The White House visit comes at a time when President Trump has been active on multiple fronts. In February 2025, he announced new tariffs—25% on imports from Canada and Mexico, and an additional 10% on goods from China—citing national security and border concerns, according to a White House fact sheet. Trump's engagement with sports teams has been a recurring theme during his presidency, often blending celebration with personal touches. For example, in 2019, he hosted NASCAR champion Joey Logano, presenting him with a race helmet and giving him a tour of the Lincoln Bedroom.

For the Bison players, the White House visit was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be recognized on a national stage. The team, which plays its home games at the 19,000-seat Fargodome in Fargo, has become a powerhouse in the Missouri Valley Football Conference, and their 2025 championship run included a key semifinal victory over arch-rival South Dakota State on December 21, 2024. That win marked NDSU's 11th appearance in the FCS championship game, a testament to their consistency and competitive spirit.

As NDSU continues to build on its legacy, the White House visit serves as a reminder of the program's impact both on and off the field. For the players, coaches, and fans, the recognition from President Trump underscores the hard work and dedication that have made the Bison a dynasty in college football.