Image Source: InForum
Jax state vs nd state has attracted attention well beyond the Fargo-Moorhead area, with a former North Dakota State athletic trainer traveling from Japan to attend the Bison’s historic season opener. George Okamatsu arrived in Fargo on Wednesday, eager to reconnect with friends, enjoy the tailgating atmosphere and witness NDSU’s first Football Bowl Subdivision game.
Jacksonville State is scheduled to visit North Dakota State at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, August 29, at Gate City Bank Field in the Fargodome. The matchup marks a significant step for the Bison as the program begins its move into the Mountain West Conference.
A Powerful Return for the Jax State vs ND State Opener
Okamatsu’s journey from Shiga, Japan, may be the longest trip made by any fan for the game. He first considered attending NDSU’s November 14 contest at the University of Hawaii, which is geographically closer to Japan. But after looking at the schedule, he decided returning to Fargo for the opening game was the better choice.
“Then I thought, if I go to Hawaii, then why not go to Fargo?” Okamatsu said, according to InForum reporter Jeff Kolpack. “I just decided I was ready to come back to this community.”
Okamatsu began his undergraduate degree at NDSU in 2002 and earned his Ph.D. in 2014. During his time at the university, he worked as a student trainer for football in 2006 and 2007. He also spent five years with the NDSU women’s basketball program, two years with men’s basketball and one year with cross country.
Former Bison Trainer Reconnects With Fargo
After returning to Japan, Okamatsu created an exchange program designed to help students study athletic training in the United States. He is now an associate professor and athletic trainer at Ritsumeikan University, a private institution based in Kyoto with a satellite campus in Shiga.
The international flight was expensive, particularly because the exchange rate has favored the U.S. dollar over the Japanese yen. Still, Okamatsu said the trip was worthwhile.
He has continued following Bison athletics through social media and coverage from InForum. At first, he was uncertain about NDSU’s move to the FBS level and questioned whether the Fargodome was large enough for the program’s next chapter. After reading expectations from around the Mountain West, however, his view changed.
“We’re expected to be No. 3 or 4,” Okamatsu said. “I’m expecting we’ll be more successful in the next three years, hopefully this year.”
Fargodome Nears Capacity for Historic Opener
Excitement around the Jax State vs ND State matchup has translated into strong ticket demand. As of late Friday afternoon, fewer than 350 seats remained available in the 18,700-seat Fargodome. Most of the remaining tickets were located in the top one or two rows in the corners.
Even if the game does not officially sell out, it is expected to become NDSU’s best-attended home opener since 2019. That season, 18,923 fans watched the Bison defeat the University of North Dakota 38-7.
- 2021 versus Albany: 15,156 fans
- 2022 versus Drake: 15,591 fans
- 2023 versus Maine: 15,044 fans
- 2024 versus Tennessee State: 16,811 fans
- 2025 versus Southeast Missouri State: 17,354 fans
The crowd will add to the atmosphere surrounding NDSU’s transition from the Football Championship Subdivision. Fans will be watching not only the result against Jacksonville State but also how the Bison handle the increased national profile and new conference environment.
Mountain West Sets Critical Eligibility Rule
The Mountain West also made news during the buildup to the opener by addressing eligibility concerns involving professional athletes. The conference’s Board of Directors unanimously approved a rule preventing professional football players from competing for a Mountain West institution.
Under the rule, an athlete becomes ineligible if the person declares for a professional league draft and does not withdraw on time, appears on a professional draft roster or signs a contract to provide athletic services for a professional league.
The policy followed a recent eligibility situation involving Cleveland Browns tight end Dae’Quan Wright, who explored returning to college football at LSU after being released. No similar case has been reported involving a Mountain West program. The conference’s action reflects the uncertainty surrounding college eligibility under the NCAA’s new “five for five” model, which gives athletes five years to play five seasons without redshirt or medical hardship exceptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Jacksonville State vs. NDSU game?
The game is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Saturday, August 29, 2026.
Where will the game be played?
Jacksonville State will play North Dakota State at Gate City Bank Field in the Fargodome in Fargo.
Why is the game historically important for NDSU?
It is North Dakota State’s first game as an FBS program and begins the Bison’s new era in the Mountain West Conference.
Who is George Okamatsu?
Okamatsu is a former NDSU student trainer who worked with football, basketball and cross country before returning to Japan, where he is an associate professor and athletic trainer.
