Welcome to VFB. Montana State football is one of the most prominent programs in FCS college football. Based in Bozeman, Montana, the Montana State Bobcats compete in the Big Sky Conference and have built a strong football tradition through consistent success, talented players, and memorable games. Backed by a passionate fan base and a proud history, the Bobcats remain one of the teams to watch each season.
The 2026 season brings even more excitement as Montana State enters the year as the defending FCS national champion. The Bobcats won the 2025 national championship with a thrilling overtime victory over Illinois State, claiming their first national title since 1984. As the new season gets underway, fans are ready to follow the Montana State football schedule, track the latest roster news, watch key matchups, and experience the intensity 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 includes 12 regular-season games, featuring a mix of nonconference matchups and Big Sky Conference competition. The Bobcats will play an even split of six home games and six road contests throughout the season. This balanced schedule gives Montana State fans plenty of chances to follow the team at home while also keeping up with its road matchups across the 2026 campaign.
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 against Idaho is a key Big Sky Conference football contest, with additional conference games against Northern Arizona, Eastern Washington, Weber State, and Idaho State adding to the 2026 schedule. These matchups will be important as Montana State competes within the conference standings and works toward securing a place in the FCS playoffs.
One of the biggest dates on the schedule is Montana State vs. Montana on November 21. The historic Cat-Griz rivalry is one of the most recognized rivalries in college football and draws significant attention across Montana each year. As the final regular-season game, the matchup adds extra anticipation for fans and provides a fitting conclusion to the Bobcats’ 2026 regular season.
Montana State Football Team and Coaching Staff
The success of Montana State football extends beyond its storied history. Strong coaching, player development, and roster depth have helped the Bobcats maintain a competitive presence at the FCS level. The coaching staff focuses on preparing players for the demands of Big Sky Conference competition while developing the consistency, depth, and experience needed for a successful run through the FCS playoffs.
Head Coach Brent Vigen
Brent Vigen serves as the head coach of the Montana State Bobcats and has played a significant role in the program’s recent success. His coaching approach centers on team culture, player development, and detailed preparation for the demands of Big Sky Conference competition and the FCS playoffs.
Vigen reached a major milestone in 2025 by leading Montana State to the FCS national championship. As the Bobcats enter the 2026 season, his leadership and coaching will remain important as the team looks to build on its championship campaign and continue competing at a high level in FCS football.
2026 Montana State Football Roster
The Montana State football roster will be an important part of the Bobcats’ 2026 campaign. The team will look to combine experienced returning players with incoming recruits and transfers while building dependable depth at every position. Key areas to follow include quarterback, the offensive line, running game, defensive front, and secondary.
Roster depth can be especially valuable during a demanding season, helping Montana State manage injuries and maintain consistency through challenging Big Sky Conference matchups. Fans looking for the latest player information, roster changes, and coaching updates should check the official Montana State Athletics website for the most up-to-date details.
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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
The Montana State football roster will be an important part of the Bobcats’ 2026 campaign. The team will look to combine experienced returning players with incoming recruits and transfers while building dependable depth at every position. Key areas to follow include quarterback, the offensive line, running game, defensive front, and secondary.
Roster depth can be especially valuable during a demanding season, helping Montana State manage injuries and maintain consistency through challenging Big Sky Conference matchups. Fans looking for the latest player information, roster changes, and coaching updates should check the official Montana State Athletics website for the most up-to-date details.
Montana State’s Big Sky Success
The Big Sky Conference has played an important role in Montana State’s football tradition and continued success. Each season, the Bobcats face several competitive conference opponents, including Montana, Idaho, Weber State, Idaho State, Northern Arizona, and Eastern Washington. These matchups provide demanding tests throughout the schedule while adding to the intensity of Big Sky football.
Strong performances in conference play can help Montana State improve its position in the standings and build momentum heading into the FCS playoffs. Beyond the program’s most well-known rivalries, every Big Sky matchup matters, with each result potentially influencing the Bobcats’ postseason path.
Montana State vs Montana: The Cat-Griz Rivalry
The rivalry between Montana State and Montana is one of the most defining traditions in Montana State football. Known as the Cat-Griz rivalry, the annual matchup goes beyond a typical conference game, bringing together school pride, regional bragging rights, and a long history of competition between two of Montana’s most prominent football programs.
Why the Cat-Griz Game Matters
The Cat-Griz game is far more than a regular college football matchup. Montana State and Montana are two of the state’s best-known universities, and their long-running rivalry has become a major annual tradition that attracts attention from fans across Montana.
The matchup also holds an important place in Big Sky Conference football. Along with the battle for in-state bragging rights, both teams enter the game with the goal of closing the regular season on a strong note. The combination of conference implications, school pride, and rivalry history gives the Cat-Griz game a unique place on the college football calendar.
The 2026 Rivalry Game
Montana State will host Montana at Bobcat Stadium on November 21, 2026, in the final regular-season game of the year. The matchup is also scheduled for Senior Day, adding another special element to an already significant game for the players, coaches, and fans.
For anyone planning to attend a Montana State football game, the 2026 Cat-Griz matchup stands out as one of the key dates on the schedule. With the historic rivalry, home-field atmosphere, and season-finale setting, the game is set to provide a memorable experience 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 follow 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 is a reliable source for the latest schedule updates, team news, roster information, and game details.
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 the defending FCS national champions. The 2025 championship gives the program valuable momentum, but it also brings increased expectations as opponents look to challenge the reigning champions. Strong performances in the Big Sky Conference will be especially important, with Montana State aiming to stay consistent on the road while making the most of its home games at Bobcat Stadium.
Player development will also be a key factor throughout the season as returning players, recruits, and transfers continue to adjust to the team’s system. Building depth and maintaining consistency across the roster could help the Bobcats navigate a demanding schedule and remain in contention for the FCS playoffs. One of the central storylines of the 2026 campaign will be Montana State’s effort to build on its championship season and compete for another national 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 momentum of entering the year as the defending FCS national champion. The Bobcats face a demanding schedule that includes challenging Big Sky Conference matchups and the highly anticipated Cat-Griz rivalry against Montana. Strong coaching, player development, and roster depth will be important as the team works to navigate the challenges of the season.
A key focus for Montana State will be maintaining consistency and putting itself in position to compete for another FCS championship. The Bobcats have already shown their ability to compete against top teams in FCS football, while defending a national title brings new expectations. As the 2026 season unfolds, fans will be watching how Montana State handles the schedule, develops its roster, and builds on the success of its championship campaign.
