Welcome to VFB. Montana State football is one of the most successful programs in FCS college football. Based in Bozeman, Montana, the Montana State Bobcats compete in the Big Sky Conference and have built a strong reputation through years of competitive seasons, talented players, and memorable games. The team has a passionate fan base and a long football tradition that makes every season worth following.
The 2026 season brings even more attention to the Bobcats because they enter the year as the defending FCS national champions. Montana State won the 2025 national title with a dramatic overtime victory over Illinois State, giving the program its first national championship since 1984. Now, fans are looking ahead to the Montana State football schedule, roster, key matchups, and the famous Cat-Griz rivalry.
Montana State Football at a Glance
Montana State football represents Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana. Known as the Montana State Bobcats, the team competes in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) and is part of the Big Sky Conference. The Bobcats have built a strong reputation in FCS football, highlighted by their 2025 national championship win over Illinois State. Montana State won the game 35–34 in overtime to claim its first FCS national title since 1984. As the 2026 season begins, the Bobcats enter as defending national champions with another important schedule ahead, including key Big Sky Conference football games and the highly anticipated rivalry against Montana.
Montana State Football 2026 Schedule
The Montana State football 2026 schedule includes 12 regular-season games against both nonconference opponents and Big Sky Conference teams. The Bobcats will play six games at home and six on the road, giving fans a balanced schedule to follow throughout the season.
2026 Home and Away Games
| Date | Opponent | Location |
| Aug. 29 | Utah Tech | Home |
| Sept. 5 | Butler | Home |
| Sept. 12 | Nevada | Away |
| Sept. 19 | Central Connecticut State | Home |
| Sept. 26 | Northern Arizona | Away |
| Oct. 3 | Idaho | Home |
| Oct. 10 | Eastern Washington | Away |
| Oct. 17 | Weber State | Home |
| Oct. 24 | Cal Poly | Away |
| Oct. 31 | Idaho State | Home |
| Nov. 14 | Northern Colorado | Away |
| Nov. 21 | Montana | Home |
The regular season ends with Montana State hosting Montana at Bobcat Stadium on November 21. This final game is also one of the most important dates on the schedule because of the long-running Cat-Griz rivalry.
Key Montana State Games to Watch
The October 3 game against Idaho is an important Big Sky Conference football matchup, while games against Northern Arizona, Eastern Washington, Weber State, and Idaho State will also test the Bobcats during the season. These games can have an impact on conference standings and the team’s path toward the FCS playoffs.
The biggest matchup for many fans will be Montana State vs. Montana on November 21. The Cat-Griz rivalry brings strong fan interest across the state and adds extra importance to the final regular-season game.
Montana State Football Team and Coaching Staff
The strength of Montana State football goes beyond its history. Strong coaching, player development, and roster depth have helped the Bobcats compete at a high level in the FCS. The coaching staff also prepares the team for demanding Big Sky Conference games and the FCS playoffs.
Head Coach Brent Vigen
Brent Vigen is the head coach of the Montana State Bobcats and has played a key role in the team’s recent success. His work focuses on building team culture, developing players, and preparing the team for important Big Sky Conference and playoff games.
One of his biggest achievements came in 2025, when Montana State won the FCS national championship. His leadership will remain important in 2026 as the Bobcats look to build on that success and compete at the highest level of FCS football.
2026 Montana State Football Roster
The Montana State football roster will be important to the team’s 2026 season. The Bobcats need to combine returning players with recruits and transfers while maintaining strong depth at key positions. Quarterback, offensive line, running game, defensive front, and secondary will be important areas to watch.
Good depth can help Montana State handle injuries, tough conference games, and a long season. Fans looking for the latest player information should check the official Montana State Athletics website for the current roster and coaching updates.
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Montana State Football History and Championships
The history of Montana State football includes decades of strong performances, major rivalries, and important postseason achievements. The Bobcats have built a respected name in FCS football, with their recent national championship adding another major chapter to the program’s history.
The Bobcats’ FCS National Championship
Montana State finished the 2025 season with a 14–2 record and won the FCS national championship. In the title game, the Bobcats defeated Illinois State 35–34 in overtime, earning their first national championship since 1984. The dramatic win was one of the biggest moments in the program’s recent history.
The championship also showed that Montana State could compete with the best teams in the FCS. However, the title brings a new challenge in 2026. Instead of chasing the championship, the Bobcats now enter the season trying to defend it and remain among the top teams in FCS football.
Montana State’s Big Sky Success
The Big Sky Conference has played an important role in Montana State’s football success. The Bobcats regularly face strong programs such as Montana, Idaho, Weber State, Idaho State, Northern Arizona, and Eastern Washington, making conference games an important part of every season.
Strong performances in the Big Sky can help Montana State improve its conference position and build momentum for the FCS playoffs. Even games against teams without a major rivalry can be important because every conference result can affect the team’s postseason chances.
Montana State vs Montana: The Cat-Griz Rivalry
The rivalry between Montana State and Montana is one of the biggest traditions in Montana State football. Known as the Cat-Griz rivalry, the matchup combines school pride, conference importance, and a long history between two major Montana programs.
Why the Cat-Griz Game Matters
The Cat-Griz game is more than a regular college football matchup. Montana State and Montana represent two major universities in the same state, and their rivalry has developed a strong tradition that attracts attention from fans across Montana.
The game also carries importance in Big Sky Conference football. Fans want bragging rights, while both teams want to finish the season strongly and gain an important win against their in-state rival. This combination makes the atmosphere different from a typical regular-season game.
The 2026 Rivalry Game
Montana State will host Montana on November 21, 2026, at Bobcat Stadium. The game is scheduled as the final regular-season matchup for the Bobcats and will also be Senior Day, giving the event added importance for players and fans.
For anyone planning to attend a Montana State football game, the 2026 Cat-Griz matchup should be one of the most anticipated dates on the schedule. The rivalry, home setting, and final-game timing should make it a major event for the program.
Bobcat Stadium and Montana State Football Game Day
Bobcat Stadium is the home of Montana State football in Bozeman and an important part of the team’s game-day experience. Home games give fans a chance to watch the Bobcats in person, enjoy the stadium atmosphere, and support the team. If you plan to attend a game, check the official schedule and ticket information in advance, especially for popular matchups such as Montana State vs. Montana.
How to Follow Montana State Football
Fans can follow Montana State football throughout the 2026 season through official team coverage, TV broadcasts, streaming services, and live scores. The official Montana State Athletics website is the best source for the latest schedule updates, team news, roster information, and game details. Several Bobcats games are also set for national television, including matchups against Nevada, Northern Arizona, and Idaho on The CW, ESPN2, and ESPN. Since broadcast and streaming details can change, fans should check the official information close to game day for the latest viewing options.
What to Expect From Montana State Football in 2026
The 2026 season will be an important test for Montana State football as the Bobcats enter the year as defending FCS national champions. That success brings confidence but also higher expectations, as every opponent will be motivated to challenge the reigning champion. The Big Sky Conference schedule will be especially important, with Montana State needing to perform well on the road while protecting home-field advantage at Bobcat Stadium. Player development will also matter as returning players, recruits, and transfers adjust to the team’s system. If the Bobcats stay consistent and maintain their strong team identity, they should remain in the FCS playoff conversation. The biggest question for the season is whether Montana State can defend its national championship.
Frequently Asked Questions About Montana State Football
What conference does Montana State football play in?
Montana State football competes in the Big Sky Conference at the NCAA Division I FCS level.
Where does Montana State play its home football games?
The Bobcats play their home games at Bobcat Stadium in Bozeman, Montana.
Who is the Montana State football head coach?
Brent Vigen is the head coach of Montana State football.
Did Montana State win the FCS national championship?
Yes. Montana State won the 2025 FCS national championship, defeating Illinois State 35–34 in overtime. It was the program’s first national title since 1984.
When is Montana State vs Montana in 2026?
Montana State will host Montana on November 21, 2026, at Bobcat Stadium.
Conclusion
Montana State football enters the 2026 season with a strong program, a proud history, and the confidence of being the defending FCS national champion. The Bobcats have a challenging schedule ahead, with important Big Sky Conference games and the famous Cat-Griz rivalry against Montana. Strong coaching, player development, and good roster depth will be important as the team works through the season.
The biggest goal will be to stay consistent and compete for another FCS championship. Montana State has already shown that it can succeed against the best teams in the subdivision. Now, the Bobcats must handle higher expectations and tough opponents. If they play with the same focus and team spirit, Montana State football can remain one of the leading programs in FCS football.
