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The Montana State Bobcats defeated the Illinois State Redbirds 35-34 in an overtime thriller to win the program’s first FCS championship since 1984 on Monday night.
Last season, the Bobcats lost the championship in a shootout. The previous season, they lost in the quarterfinals after having an extra point blocked.
This season got off to an inauspicious start, as the Bobcats lost their first two games. However, the Bobcats reeled off 14 straight wins to capture the elusive national title.
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Montana State offensive lineman Titan Fleischmann (66) celebrates after winning the FCS championship game in overtime against Illinois State in Nashville, Tennessee, on January 5, 2026. (George Walker IV/AP Photo)
Montana State beat in-state rival Montana twice in a four-week span when they beat them in the semifinals.
Head coach Brent Vigen is already focused on next year and says the team is preparing for more.
“Being able to get over that hurdle and know that yes, this group of the 25th accomplished what hasn’t been done in a long time,” Vigen said. “You know, we’re building for more.”
The future looks bright for the Bobcats, as they only had nine seniors on their title-winning team.
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Montana State players celebrate after winning the FCS championship game against Illinois State in Nashville, Tennessee, on Jan. 5, 2026. (George Walker IV/AP Photo)
The Bobcats took a 21-7 halftime lead and kept the game within two scores in the third quarter, leading 28-14, but the Redbirds responded.
Illinois State tied the game 28-28 and had a chance to take the lead with 57 seconds left in the fourth quarter. Redbirds kicker Michael Consentino had a 38-yard field goal attempt, but it was blocked by Bobcats defensive back Jhase McMillan.
Illinois State scored first in overtime, when quarterback Tommy Rittenhouse connected with receiver Dylan Lord on a 10-yard touchdown to go up 34-28, but had more trouble kicking. Bobcats defensive end Hunter Parsons blocked the extra point, keeping the score at 34-28.
Bobcats quarterback Justin Lamson tied the game with a 14-yard touchdown pass to receiver Taco Dowler to make the score 34-34, and kicker Myles Sanstead buried the extra point to give Montana State the victory.
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Montana State tight end Rylan Schlepp (88) and offensive tackle Tommy Nilson (60) celebrate after winning the FCS championship game against Illinois State in Nashville, Tennessee, on Jan. 5, 2026. (George Walker IV/AP Photo)
“The cue was wide open,” Lamson said. “I got hit, so I was just trying to give it a chance and the rest is history, and Myles did his thing and that was the game.”
Vigen, who was in his third title appearance in five seasons as head coach, said wins aren’t supposed to come easily.
“What a close game, and these things aren’t supposed to be easy to do,” Vigen said.
