Welcome to VFB. Montana State football is one of the most respected programs in FCS college football. Based in Bozeman, Montana, the Montana State Bobcats compete in the Big Sky Conference and have developed a proud tradition through years of strong performances, talented athletes, and unforgettable games. With a dedicated fan base and a rich football history, the Bobcats continue to attract plenty of attention every season.
The 2026 season is especially exciting as Montana State enters the year as the defending FCS national champion. The Bobcats captured the 2025 national title after a thrilling overtime win over Illinois State, securing their first championship since 1984. With another season underway, fans are eager to follow the Montana State football schedule, keep up with the roster, watch important matchups, and experience the excitement of the legendary Cat-Griz rivalry.
Montana State Football at a Glance
Montana State football represents Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana. The Montana State Bobcats compete in NCAA Division I FCS football as members of the Big Sky Conference. Over the years, the program has established itself as a strong force in FCS football, highlighted by its 2025 national championship victory over Illinois State. Montana State secured the title with a thrilling 35–34 overtime win, earning its first FCS national championship since 1984.
Heading into the 2026 season, the Bobcats return as defending national champions with another challenging schedule ahead. Fans will be watching closely as Montana State takes on important Big Sky Conference football opponents and prepares for the highly anticipated matchup with in-state rival Montana.
Montana State Football 2026 Schedule
The Montana State football 2026 schedule features 12 regular-season games, combining nonconference matchups with Big Sky Conference competition. The Bobcats will split those games evenly between home and road contests, with six games at home and six away. This balanced schedule gives fans plenty of opportunities to follow Montana State throughout the 2026 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 concludes on November 21, when Montana State welcomes Montana to Bobcat Stadium. This matchup is more than just the final game of the season—it is one of the biggest events on the schedule because it features the historic Cat-Griz rivalry, one of college football’s most passionate in-state rivalries.
Key Montana State Games to Watch
The October 3 matchup with Idaho is an important Big Sky Conference football game, while contests against Northern Arizona, Eastern Washington, Weber State, and Idaho State will provide additional challenges throughout the season. These conference games could play a major role in the Bobcats’ position in the standings and their chances of reaching the FCS playoffs.
For many fans, the most anticipated game will be Montana State vs. Montana on November 21. The historic Cat-Griz rivalry consistently attracts attention across the state, creating an exciting atmosphere and adding even greater significance to the final regular-season matchup.
Montana State Football Team and Coaching Staff
The success of Montana State football is built on more than its proud history. Strong coaching, effective player development, and quality roster depth have helped the Bobcats remain competitive at the FCS level. The coaching staff works to prepare the team for the challenges of Big Sky Conference play while also building the experience and consistency needed to compete in the FCS playoffs.
Head Coach Brent Vigen
Brent Vigen serves as the head coach of the Montana State Bobcats and has been an important part of the program’s recent success. His approach emphasizes strong team culture, player development, and thorough preparation for challenging Big Sky Conference matchups and FCS playoff competition.
One of Vigen’s biggest accomplishments came in 2025, when he guided Montana State to the FCS national championship. His leadership will continue to be a key factor in 2026 as the Bobcats aim to carry that momentum forward and remain among the top programs in FCS football.
2026 Montana State Football Roster
The Montana State football roster will play a major role in the team’s 2026 campaign. The Bobcats will look to blend experienced returning players with new recruits and transfers while maintaining quality depth across the roster. Key areas to watch include quarterback, the offensive line, the running game, the defensive front, and the secondary.
Strong roster depth can help Montana State manage injuries, handle demanding Big Sky Conference matchups, and maintain consistency throughout a long season. Fans who want the latest player details, roster changes, and coaching updates should visit the official Montana State Athletics website for the most current information.
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Montana State Football History and Championships
The history of Montana State football is shaped by decades of competitive seasons, memorable rivalries, and notable postseason accomplishments. Over the years, the Bobcats have established a strong reputation in FCS football, building a tradition that continues to attract passionate support. The program’s recent national championship adds another significant achievement to its proud history and further strengthens Montana State’s place among the top FCS programs.
The Bobcats’ FCS National Championship
Montana State closed the 2025 season with an impressive 14–2 record and captured the FCS national championship. In the title game, the Bobcats edged Illinois State 35–34 in overtime, securing their first national championship since 1984. The thrilling victory marked one of the most significant achievements in the program’s recent history.
Winning the championship demonstrated Montana State’s ability to compete with the strongest teams in FCS football. However, the 2026 season presents a different kind of challenge. Rather than pursuing the title, the Bobcats now have to defend it while working to maintain their position among the nation’s top FCS programs.
Montana State’s Big Sky Success
The Big Sky Conference has been an important part of Montana State’s football tradition and success. Throughout each season, the Bobcats face competitive programs such as Montana, Idaho, Weber State, Idaho State, Northern Arizona, and Eastern Washington. These conference matchups provide some of the toughest tests on the schedule and play a key role in shaping the season.
Performing well in Big Sky Conference play can help Montana State strengthen its position in the standings and build valuable momentum heading into the FCS playoffs. Even games outside the program’s biggest rivalries can carry significant weight, as every conference result can influence the Bobcats’ path toward postseason competition.
Montana State vs Montana: The Cat-Griz Rivalry
The rivalry between Montana State and Montana is one of the defining traditions of Montana State football. Known as the Cat-Griz rivalry, this historic matchup represents more than just a conference game. It brings together school pride, regional bragging rights, and decades of competitive history between two of Montana’s most prominent football programs.
Why the Cat-Griz Game Matters
The Cat-Griz game is much more than an ordinary college football matchup. Montana State and Montana are two of the state’s most prominent universities, and their long-standing rivalry has grown into a major tradition that draws attention from fans throughout Montana.
The matchup also carries significance in Big Sky Conference football. While fans are eager to claim bragging rights, both teams have plenty to play for as they look to finish the regular season on a strong note. A victory over an in-state rival can add even more meaning to the season, making the Cat-Griz game unlike a typical regular-season contest.
The 2026 Rivalry Game
Montana State will welcome Montana to Bobcat Stadium on November 21, 2026, for the final regular-season game of the year. The matchup is also scheduled as Senior Day, adding another meaningful element to an already important game for the players, coaches, and fans.
For anyone planning to attend a Montana State football game, the 2026 Cat-Griz matchup should be one of the standout dates on the schedule. The historic rivalry, home-field setting, and season-finale timing are expected to make it a memorable event for the Bobcats and their supporters.
Bobcat Stadium and Montana State Football Game Day
Bobcat Stadium is the home venue of Montana State football in Bozeman and plays an important role in the team’s game-day tradition. Attending a home game gives fans the opportunity to watch the Bobcats in person, experience the energy of the stadium, and show their support for the team. Anyone planning to attend should review the official schedule and ticket details ahead of time, particularly for highly anticipated matchups such as Montana State vs. Montana.
How to Follow Montana State Football
Fans can keep up with Montana State football throughout the 2026 season through official team coverage, television broadcasts, streaming platforms, and live-score services. The official Montana State Athletics website remains a reliable source for the latest schedule changes, team news, roster updates, and game information. Several Bobcats matchups are also scheduled for national television, including games against Nevada, Northern Arizona, and Idaho on networks such as The CW, ESPN2, and ESPN. Because broadcast and streaming details may change, fans should check the latest official information near game day to confirm available viewing options.
What to Expect From Montana State Football in 2026
The 2026 season will be a major test for Montana State football as the Bobcats return as the defending FCS national champions. Winning the title provides confidence, but it also raises expectations, with opponents eager to challenge the reigning champions. Success in the Big Sky Conference will be particularly important, as Montana State will need to perform consistently on the road while taking advantage of home-field opportunities at Bobcat Stadium.
Player development will also play a key role as returning athletes, recruits, and transfers continue to adapt to the team’s system. If the Bobcats maintain consistency, develop strong depth, and preserve their team identity, they could remain firmly in the FCS playoff picture. Ultimately, the biggest storyline of the 2026 campaign will be whether Montana State can successfully defend its national championship and compete for another title.
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 heads into the 2026 season with a proud tradition, a strong program, and the confidence that comes with being the defending FCS national champion. The Bobcats face an important schedule featuring challenging Big Sky Conference matchups and the highly anticipated Cat-Griz rivalry against Montana. Strong coaching, player development, and roster depth will be essential as the team works to navigate the demands of the season.
The primary objective will be to maintain consistency and make another serious run at the FCS championship. Montana State has already demonstrated its ability to compete against the subdivision’s top teams, but defending a title comes with increased expectations and added pressure. If the Bobcats continue to play with discipline, focus, and strong team chemistry, Montana State football can remain among the leading programs in FCS football.
