2025 Big Sky Conference football standings
Conf.Overall
Team W L  W L 
No. 1 Montana State $^ 8–0  14–2 
No. 3 Montana ^ 7–1  13–2 
No. 8 UC Davis ^ 6–2  9–4 
Sacramento State 5–3  7–5 
Idaho State 5–3  6–6 
Northern Arizona 4–4  7–5 
Eastern Washington 4–4  5–7 
Cal Poly 2–6  4–8 
Idaho 2–6  4–8 
Northern Colorado 2–6  4–8 
Weber State 2–6  4–8 
Portland State 1–7  1–11 
  • $ – Conference champion
  • ^ – FCS playoff participant
Rankings from STATS Poll

The 2025 Montana State Bobcats football team represented Montana State University as a member of the Big Sky Conference during the 2025 NCAA Division I FCS football season. The Bobcats were led by 5th-year head coach Brent Vigen and played home games at Bobcat Stadium in Bozeman, Montana.

They defeated in-state rival Montana in the rivalry game to clinch the Big Sky conference title before advancing all the way to the championship game, defeating Yale, Stephen F. Austin and Montana[1] (in the first ever December edition of the rivalry game) to reach their third FCS Championship Game in five seasons. In the championship game, the Bobcats defeated Illinois State 35–34 in overtime to win the program's first national championship since 1984.[2]

The Montana State Bobcats drew an average home attendance of 21,877, the 4th-highest of all NCAA Division I FCS football teams.[3]

2025 NFL draft

Round Pick Player Position Team
6 213 Tommy Mellott QB/WR Las Vegas Raiders

Transfers

Outgoing

Player Position Destination
Rohan Jones TE Arkansas
Elijah Elliott RB Bryant
Dru Polidore Jr. S California
Kai Golan K Carroll
Lonyatta Alexander Jr. WR Idaho
Conner Moore OL Michigan State
Cole Bullock LB New Hampshire
Scottre Humphrey RB New Mexico
Jon Johnson DB New Mexico
Ryder Trujillo DL Northeastern State
Zachary Dodson-Greene WR Portland State
Blake Stillwell DB Southern Utah
Andrew Powdrell DB UNLV
Garrett Walchli WR Unknown

Incoming

Player Position Previous school
Ife Ohalete DB Blinn
Cale Breslin RB BYU
George Helms RB Elon
Bryant Meredith DB Fullerton
Bryson Parker DB Nevada
Chris Long WR Rutgers
Justin Lamson QB Stanford

[4][5][6][7][8][9]

Schedule

DateTimeOpponentRankSiteTVResultAttendance
August 302:00 p.m.at No. 7 (FBS) Oregon*No. 2
BTNL 13–5957,257
September 66:00 p.m.No. 2 South Dakota State*No. 3
ESPN+L 24–30 2OT22,117
September 131:00 p.m.San Diego*No. 4
  • Bobcat Stadium
  • Bozeman, MT
ESPN+W 41–721,917
September 201:00 p.m.Mercyhurst*No. 4
  • Bobcat Stadium
  • Bozeman, MT
ESPN+W 17–021,317
September 272:00 p.m.Eastern WashingtonNo. 4
  • Bobcat Stadium
  • Bozeman, MT
ESPN+W 57–322,277
October 43:00 p.m.at No. 13 Northern ArizonaNo. 5
ESPN+W 34–10  7,837
October 111:00 p.m.Idaho StateNo. 5
  • Bobcat Stadium
  • Bozeman, MT
ESPN+W 48–1422,267
October 256:00 p.m.at Cal PolyNo. 5
ESPN+W 34–17  6,403
November 112:00 p.m.at Northern ColoradoNo. 4т
ESPN+W 55–7  4,092
November 81:00 p.m.Weber StateNo. 3
  • Bobcat Stadium
  • Bozeman, MT
ESPN+W 66–1421,467
November 158:15 p.m.No. 9 UC DavisNo. 3
  • Bobcat Stadium
  • Bozeman, MT
ESPN2W 38–1721,777
November 2212:00 p.m.at No. 2 MontanaNo. 3
ESPN+W 31–2827,340
December 612:00 p.m.No. 24 Yale*No. 2
ESPN+W 21–1320,867
December 127:00 p.m.No. 10 Stephen F. Austin*No. 2
  • Bobcat Stadium
  • Bozeman, MT (NCAA Division I Quarterfinal)
ESPNW 44–2819,807
December 202:00 p.m.No. 3 Montana*No. 2
  • Bobcat Stadium
  • Bozeman, MT (NCAA Division I Semifinal)
ESPN2/ABCW 48–2325,437
January 5, 20265:30 p.m.vs. No. 17т Illinois State*No. 2
ESPNW 35–34 OT24,105

Game summaries

at No. 7 (FBS) Oregon

No. 2 Montana State Bobcats (0–0) at No. 7 (FBS) Oregon Ducks (0–0) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
No. 2 Bobcats 0 3 3713
No. 7 (FBS) Ducks 17 21 14759

at Autzen Stadium • Eugene, Oregon

  • Date: August 30
  • Game time: 2:00 p.m. MDT / 1:00 p.m. PDT
  • Game weather: Sunny, 73 °F (23 °C)
  • Game attendance: 57,257
  • Referee: Kole Knueppel
  • TV announcers (BTN): Jeff Levering (play-by-play), Jake Butt (analyst), and Brooke Fletcher (sideline reporter)
Game information
First quarter
  • ORE – Jayden Limar 16-yard run (Atticus Sappington kick), 11:57. Ducks 7–0. Drive: 6 plays, 74 yards, 2:03.
  • ORE – Kenyon Sadiq 20-yard pass from Dante Moore (Atticus Sappington kick), 9:16. Ducks 14–0. Drive: 3 plays, 40 yards, 1:18.
  • ORE – Atticus Sappington 23-yard field goal, 6:16. Ducks 17–0. Drive: 4 plays, 5 yards, 1:25.
Second quarter'
  • ORE – Jordon Davison 2-yard run (Atticus Sappington kick), 11:08. Ducks 24–0. Drive: 12 plays, 59 yards, 5:27.
  • ORE – Noah Whittington 1-yard run (Gage Hurych kick), 4:34. Ducks 31–0. Drive: 10 plays, 52 yards, 5:10.
  • MTST – Myles Sansted 42-yard field goal, 1:03. Ducks 31–3. Drive: 13 plays, 50 yards, 3:31.
  • ORE – Malik Benson 11-yard pass from Dante Moore (Atticus Sappington kick), 0:03. Ducks 38–3. Drive: 6 plays, 67 yards, 1:00.
Third quarter
  • MTST – Myles Sansted 42-yard field goal, 10:14. Ducks 38–6. Drive: 9 plays, 51 yards, 4:46.
  • ORE – Gary Bryant Jr. 14-yard pass from Dante Moore (Atticus Sappington kick), 6:43. Ducks 45–6. Drive: 6 plays, 70 yards, 3:31.
  • ORE – Jordon Davison 8-yard run (Gage Hurych kick), 0:26. Ducks 52–6. Drive: 6 plays, 65 yards, 2:02.
Fourth quarter
  • ORE – Jordon Davison 1-yard run (Gage Hurych kick), 6:50. Ducks 59–6. Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 4:47.
  • MTST – Adam Jones 2-yard run (Myles Sansted kick), 2:22. Ducks 59–13. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 4:28.
StatisticsMTSTORE
First downs1729
Total yards244506
Rushing yards46253
Passing yards198253
Passing: comp–att–int23–31–019–25–0
Turnovers00
Time of possession29:5530:08
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Montana State Passing Justin Lamson 23/31, 198 yards
Rushing Julius Davis 5 rushes, 16 yards
Receiving Taco Dowler 12 receptions, 107 yards
Oregon Passing Dante Moore 18/23, 213 yards, 3 TD
Rushing Noah Whittington 10 rushes, 68 yards, TD
Receiving Malik Benson 5 receptions, 51 yards, TD

No. 2 South Dakota State

No. 2 South Dakota State Jackrabbits (1–0) at No. 3 Montana State Bobcats (0–1) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34OT2OTTotal
No. 2 Jackrabbits 3 7 077630
No. 3 Bobcats 0 10 077024

at Bobcat Stadium • Bozeman, Montana

  • Date: September 6
  • Game time: 6:00 p.m. MDT
  • Game weather: Sunny • Temperature: 81 °F (27 °C) • Wind: NW at 1 mile per hour (1.6 km/h)
  • Game attendance: 22,117
  • Referee: Kelly Holman
  • TV announcers (ESPN+): Ben Creighton (play-by-play), Ty Gregorak (analyst) and Grace Lawrence (sideline)
Game information
First quarter
  • (9:02) SDST – Eli Stader 25-yard field goal (Drive: 11 plays, 68 yards, 5:58; South Dakota State 3–0)
Second quarter
  • (10:47) MTST – Justin Lamson 7-yard run, Myles Sansted kick (Drive: 9 plays, 88 yards, 4:07; Montana State 7-3)
  • (1:06) SDST – Chase Mason 8-yard run, Eli Stader kick (Drive: 2 plays, 21 yards, 0:46; South Dakota State 10-7)
  • (0:00) MTST – Myles Sansted 33-yard field goal (Drive: 6 plays, 45 yards, 1:00; 10-10)
Third quarter

No scoring plays

Fourth quarter
  • (9:08) SDST – Lofton O'Groske 8-yard pass from Chase Mason, Eli Stader kick (Drive: 7 plays, 50 yards, 3:40; South Dakota State 17-10)
  • (6:37) MTST – Seth Brock 2-yard fumble return, Myles Sansted kick (Drive: 4 plays, -11 yards, 1:38; 17-17)
Overtime
  • MTST – Adam Jones 2-yard run, Myles Sansted kick (Drive: 6 plays, 25 yards; Montana State 24-17)
  • SDST – Lofton O'Groske 2-yard pass from Chase Mason, Eli Stader kick (Drive: 2 plays, 25 yards; 24-24)
2nd overtime
  • SDST – Baryden Delahoyde 25-yard pass from Chase Mason, two-point pass conversion failed (Drive: 1 play, 25 yards; South Dakota State 30-24)
StatisticsSDSTMTST
First downs1617
Total yards297349
Rushing yards123210
Passing yards174139
Passing: Comp–Att–Int17–25–019–29–0
Turnovers22
Time of possession33:0526:55
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
South Dakota StatePassingChase Mason17/25, 174 yards, 3 TD
RushingJulius Loughridge23 rushes, 99 yards
ReceivingLofton O'Groske12 receptions, 125 yards, 2 TD
Montana StatePassingJustin Lamson18/28, 123 yards
RushingJustin Lamson20 rushes, 96 yards, TD
ReceivingDane Steel3 receptions, 49 yards

San Diego

San Diego Toreros (1–1) at No. 4 Montana State Bobcats (0–2) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Toreros 0 0 077
No. 4 Bobcats 10 14 14341

at Bobcat Stadium • Bozeman, Montana

  • Date: September 13
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. MDT
  • Game weather: Sunny, 65 °F (18 °C)
  • Game attendance: 21,917
  • Referee: Jeff Rink
  • TV: ESPN+
Game information
First quarter
  • MTST – Taco Dowler 45-yard pass from Justin Lamson (Myles Sansted kick), 9:21. Bobcats 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 74 yards, 3:26.
  • MTST – Myles Sansted 43-yard field goal, 2:53. Bobcats 10–0. Drive: 9 plays, 45 yards, 4:29.

Second quarter

  • MTST – Adam Jones 17-yard pass from Justin Lamson (Myles Sansted kick), 6:32. Bobcats 17–0. Drive: 4 plays, 52 yards, 1:49.
  • MTST – Justin Lamson 24-yard run (Myles Sansted kick), 0:22. Bobcats 24–0. Drive: 5 plays, 85 yards, 0:51.

Third quarter

  • MTST – Taco Dowler 16-yard pass from Justin Lamson (Myles Sansted kick), 11:04. Bobcats 31–0. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:56.
  • MTST – Julius Davis 17-yard run (Myles Sansted kick), 5:41. Bobcats 38–0. Drive: 6 plays, 90 yards, 2:38.

Fourth quarter

  • USD – Josh Heverly 8-yard pass from Dom Nankil (Emiliano Salazar kick), 12:59. Bobcats 38–7. Drive: 10 plays, 65 yards, 3:53.
  • MTST – Myles Sansted 40-yard field goal, 6:51. Bobcats 41–7. Drive: 11 plays, 53 yards, 6:08.
StatisticsUSDMTST
First downs1228
Total yards209539
Rushing yards66218
Passing yards143321
Passing: Comp–Att–Int14–27–027–31–1
Turnovers01
Time of possession24:5735:03
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
San DiegoPassingDom Nankil13/24, 124 yards, TD
RushingAdam Criter10 rushes, 49 yards
ReceivingPeyton Smith3 receptions, 35 yards
Montana StatePassingJustin Lamson23/26, 293 yards, 3 TD, INT
RushingJulius Davis8 rushes, 83 yards, TD
ReceivingTaco Dowler8 receptions, 116 yards, 2 TD

Mercyhurst

Mercyhurst Lakers (1–2) at No. 4 Montana State Bobcats (1–2) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Lakers 0 0 000
No. 4 Bobcats 7 10 0017

at Bobcat Stadium • Bozeman, Montana

  • Date: September 20
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. MDT
  • Game weather: Sunny, 73 °F (23 °C)
  • Game attendance: 21,317
  • Referee: Spencer Mumford
  • TV: ESPN+
Game information
First quarter
  • MTST – Julius Davis 3-yard run (Myles Sansted kick), 9:06. Bobcats 7–0. Drive: 10 plays, 92 yards, 5:49.

Second quarter

  • MTST – Myles Sansted 22-yard field goal, 12:06. Bobcats 10–0. Drive: 18 plays, 76 yards, 7:51.
  • MTST – Adam Jones 5-yard run (Myles Sansted kick), 0:40. Bobcats 17–0. Drive: 11 plays, 83 yards, 4:35.

Third quarter

  • No scoring plays

Fourth quarter

  • No scoring plays
StatisticsMERCMTST
First downs1520
Total yards263354
Rushing yards58233
Passing yards205121
Passing: Comp–Att–Int24–36–112–17–1
Turnovers21
Time of possession31:2628:34
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
MercyhurstPassingAdam Urena23/35, 206 yards, INT
RushingBrian Trobel13 rushes, 48 yards
ReceivingRylan Davison7 receptions, 84 yards
Montana StatePassingJustin Lamson12/17, 121 yards, INT
RushingColson Coon5 rushes, 71 yards
ReceivingAdam Jones3 receptions, 31 yards

Eastern Washington

Eastern Washington Eagles (1–3) at No. 4 Montana State Bobcats (2–2) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Eagles 0 3 003
No. 4 Bobcats 24 6 20757

at Bobcat Stadium • Bozeman, Montana

  • Date: September 27
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. MDT
  • Game weather: Sunny, 71 °F (22 °C)
  • Game attendance: 22,277
  • Referee: Jim Crowley
  • TV announcers (ESPN+): Ben Creighton (play-by-play), Ty Gregorak (analyst) and Grace Lawrence (sideline)
Game information
First quarter
  • MTST – Adam Jones 3-yard run (Myles Sansted kick), 9:53. Bobcats 7–0. Drive: 8 plays, 53 yards, 3:53.
  • MTST – Hunter Provience 43-yard pass from Justin Lamson (Myles Sansted kick), 6:16. Bobcats 14–0. Drive: 2 plays, 44 yards, 0:43.
  • MTST – Taco Dowler 45-yard pass from Justin Lamson (Myles Sansted kick), 4:47. Bobcats 21–0. Drive: 1 play, 45 yards, 0:07.
  • MTST – Myles Sansted 43-yard field goal, 0:20. Bobcats 24–0. Drive: 6 plays, 19 yards, 2:28.

Second quarter

  • EWU – Soren McKee 21-yard field goal, 6:29. Bobcats 24–3. Drive: 11 plays, 63 yards, 4:21.
  • MTST – Jabez Woods 28-yard pass from Justin Lamson (kick failed), 0:22. Bobcats 30–3. Drive: 3 plays, 40 yards, 0:15.

Third quarter

  • MTST – Colby Frokjer 26-yard run (kick failed), 10:48. Bobcats 36–3. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 4:12.
  • MTST – Adam Jones 37-yard run (Myles Sansted kick), 3:22. Bobcats 43–3. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 4:31.
  • MTST – Colson Coon 1-yard run (Myles Sansted kick), 1:23. Bobcats 50–3. Drive: 2 plays, 55 yards, 0:40.

Fourth quarter

  • MTST – Chance Wilson 32-yard run (Myles Sansted kick), 4:38. Bobcats 57–3. Drive: 4 plays, 45 yards, 1:37.
StatisticsEWUMTST
First downs1425
Total yards207580
Rushing yards83293
Passing yards124287
Passing: Comp–Att–Int15–31–015–26–1
Turnovers11
Time of possession27:5432:06
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Eastern WashingtonPassingJared Taylor5/12, 59 yards
RushingNate Bell13 rushes, 41 yards
ReceivingNolan Ulm1 reception, 35 yards
Montana StatePassingJustin Lamson13/20, 270 yards, 3 TD
RushingAdam Jones10 rushes, 72 yards, 2 TD
ReceivingTaco Dowler3 receptions, 64 yards, TD

at No. 13 Northern Arizona

No. 5 Montana State Bobcats (3–2) at No. 13 Northern Arizona Lumberjacks (4–1) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
No. 4 Bobcats 0 20 7734
No. 13 Lumberjacks 7 0 0310

at Walkup Skydome • Flagstaff, Arizona

  • Date: October 4
  • Game time: 3:00 p.m. MDT
  • Game weather: None (played indoors)
  • Game attendance: 7,837
  • Referee: Gregg Wilson
  • TV announcers (ESPN+): Ben Creighton (play-by-play), Ty Gregorak (analyst) and Grace Lawrence (sideline)
Game information
First quarter
  • NAU – Seth Cromwell 2-yard run (Samuel Hunsaker kick), 1:32. Lumberjacks 7–0. Drive: 12 plays, 57 yards, 5:48.

Second quarter

  • MTST – Taco Dowler 90-yard punt return (Myles Sansted kick), 7:40. Tied 7–7.
  • MTST – Jabez Woods 79-yard pass from Justin Lamson (Myles Sansted kick), 6:01. Bobcats 14–7. Drive: 3 plays, 75 yards, 1:14.
  • MTST – Julius Davis 13-yard run (kick failed), 0:59. Bobcats 20–7. Drive: 5 plays, 80 yards, 1:28.

Third quarter

  • MTST – Rocky Lencioni 3-yard pass from Justin Lamson (Myles Sansted kick), 10:50. Bobcats 27–7. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 4:10.

Fourth quarter

  • MTST – Justin Lamson 19-yard run (Myles Sansted kick), 12:51. Bobcats 34–7. Drive: 3 plays, 39 yards, 1:17.
  • NAU – Samuel Hunsaker 39-yard field goal, 5:11. Bobcats 34–10. Drive: 16 plays, 55 yards, 7:32.
StatisticsMTSTNAU
First downs1822
Total yards417296
Rushing yards19686
Passing yards221210
Passing: Comp–Att–Int14–20–028–47–1
Turnovers01
Time of possession24:2735:33
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Montana StatePassingJustin Lamson13/19, 213 yards, 2 TD
RushingJulius Davis10 rushes, 73 yards, TD
ReceivingJabez Woods3 receptions, 100 yards, TD
Northern ArizonaPassingTy Pennington28/47, 210 yards, INT
RushingSeth Cromwell10 rushes, 40 yards, TD
ReceivingQuran Gossett4 receptions, 45 yards

Idaho State

Idaho State Bengals (2–4) at No. 5 Montana State Bobcats (4–2) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Bengals 7 7 0014
No. 5 Bobcats 14 20 7748

at Bobcat Stadium • Bozeman, Montana

  • Date: October 11
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. MDT
  • Game weather: Cloudy, 53 °F (12 °C)
  • Game attendance: 22,267
  • Referee: Robert Quello
  • TV: ESPN+
StatisticsIDSTMTST
First downs
Total yards
Rushing yards
Passing yards
Passing: Comp–Att–Int
Turnovers
Time of possession
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Idaho StatePassing
Rushing
Receiving
Montana StatePassing
Rushing
Receiving

at Cal Poly

No. 5 Montana State Bobcats (5–2) at Cal Poly Mustangs (3–4) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
No. 5 Bobcats 3 10 71434
Mustangs 0 3 01417

at Alex G. Spanos Stadium • San Luis Obispo, California

  • Date: October 25
  • Game time: 6:00 p.m. MDT / 5:00 p.m. PDT
  • Game weather: Sunny • Temperature: 67 °F (19 °C) • Wind: NW at 10 miles per hour (16 km/h)
  • Game attendance: 6,403
  • Referee: Mike Bezner
  • TV announcers (ESPN+): Ben Creighton (play-by-play), Ty Gregorak (analyst) and Grace Lawrence (sideline)
Game information
First quarter
  • MTST – Myles Sansted 25-yard field goal, 3:06. Bobcats 3–0. Drive: 15 plays, 56 yards, 7:23.
Second quarter
  • MTST – Jared White 19-yard pass from Justin Lamson (Myles Sansted kick), 8:16. Bobcats 10–0. Drive: 4 plays, 45 yards, 1:50.
  • CP – Noah Serna 21-yard field goal, 2:52. Bobcats 10–3. Drive: 12 plays, 72 yards, 5:19.
  • MTST – Myles Sansted 31-yard field goal, 0:04. Bobcats 13–3. Drive: 8 plays, 30 yards, 0:52.
Third quarter
  • MTST – Julius Davis 10-yard run (Myles Sansted kick), 10:59. Bobcats 20–3. Drive: 7 plays, 73 yards, 3:56.
Fourth quarter
  • MTST – Justin Lamson 4-yard run (Myles Sansted kick), 14:52. Bobcats 27–3. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 4:33.
  • CP – Fidel Tau Pitts 16-yard pass from Bo Kelly (Gianluca Dimauro kick), 12:25. Bobcats 27–10. Drive: 6 plays, 77 yards, 2:23.
  • CP – Logan Booher 6-yard pass from Bo Kelly (Noah Serna kick), 8:16. Bobcats 27–17. Drive: 7 plays, 56 yards, 3:22.
  • MTST – Adam Jones 1-yard run (Myles Sansted kick), 3:35. Bobcats 34–17. Drive: 8 plays, 40 yards, 4:31.
StatisticsMTSTCP
First downs2612
Total yards466241
Rushing yards29050
Passing yards176191
Passing: Comp–Att–Int19–30–022–35–1
Turnovers11
Time of possession36:3123:29
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Montana StatePassingJustin Lamson19/30, 176 yards, TD
RushingJulius Davis19 rushes, 175 yards, TD
ReceivingTaco Dowler6 receptions, 57 yards
Cal PolyPassingBo Kelly20/30, 188 yards, 2 TD, INT
RushingTrey Wilson6 rushes, 21 yards
ReceivingMichael Briscoe4 receptions, 39 yards

at Northern Colorado

No. 4т Montana State Bobcats (6–2) at Northern Colorado Bears (3–5) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
No. 4т Bobcats 7 13 211455
Bears 0 0 077

at Nottingham Field • Greeley, Colorado

  • Date: November 1
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. MDT
  • Game weather: Sunny, 48 °F (9 °C)
  • Game attendance: 4,092
  • Referee: Gregg Wilson
  • TV: ESPN+
StatisticsMTSTUNCO
First downs
Total yards
Rushing yards
Passing yards
Passing: Comp–Att–Int
Turnovers
Time of possession
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Montana StatePassing
Rushing
Receiving
Northern ColoradoPassing
Rushing
Receiving

Weber State

Weber State Wildcats (3–6) at No. 3 Montana State Bobcats (7–2) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Wildcats 0 7 0714
No. 3 Bobcats 14 17 211466

at Bobcat Stadium • Bozeman, Montana

  • Date: November 8
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. MST
  • Game weather: Sunny, 43 °F (6 °C)
  • Game attendance: 21,467
  • Referee: Spencer Mumford
  • TV: ESPN+
StatisticsWEBMTST
First downs
Total yards
Rushing yards
Passing yards
Passing: Comp–Att–Int
Turnovers
Time of possession
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Weber StatePassing
Rushing
Receiving
Montana StatePassing
Rushing
Receiving

No. 9 UC Davis

No. 9 UC Davis Aggies (7–2) at No. 3 Montana State Bobcats (8–2) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
No. 9 Aggies 7 0 01017
No. 3 Bobcats 0 14 101438

at Bobcat Stadium • Bozeman, Montana

  • Date: November 15
  • Game time: 8:15 p.m. MST
  • Game weather: Clear, 43 °F (6 °C)
  • Game attendance: 21,777
  • Referee: Jim Crowley
  • TV announcers (ESPN2): Courtney Lyle (play by play) and Rene Ingoglia (analyst)
StatisticsUCDMTST
First downs
Total yards
Rushing yards
Passing yards
Passing: Comp–Att–Int
Turnovers
Time of possession
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
UC DavisPassing
Rushing
Receiving
Montana StatePassing
Rushing
Receiving

at No. 2 Montana (Brawl of the Wild)

No. 3 Montana State Bobcats (9–2) at No. 2 Montana Grizzlies (11–0) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
No. 3 Bobcats 10 7 7731
No. 2 Grizzlies 7 7 7728

at Washington–Grizzly Stadium • Missoula, Montana

  • Date: November 22
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. MST
  • Game weather: Clear, 45 °F (7 °C)
  • Game attendance: 27,340
  • Referee: Kelly Holman
  • TV: ESPN+
Game information
First quarter
  • MTST – Myles Sansted 39-yard field goal, 9:46. Bobcats 3–0. Drive: 10 plays, 51 yards, 5:08.
  • MONT – Brooks Davis 14-yard pass from Keali'i Ah Yat (Ty Morrison kick), 6:59. Grizzlies 7–3. Drive: 6 plays, 54 yards, 2:38.
  • MTST – Adam Jones 1-yard run (Myles Sansted kick), 0:47. Bobcats 10–7. Drive: 11 plays, 77 yards, 6:06.

Second quarter

  • MTST – Dane Steel 27-yard pass from Justin Lamson (Myles Sansted kick), 5:00. Bobcats 17–7. Drive: 2 plays, 52 yards, 0:51.
  • MONT – Kealiʻi Ah Yat 18-yard run (Ty Morrison kick), 1:15. Bobcats 17–14. Drive: 10 plays, 72 yards, 3:38.

Third quarter

  • MONT – Michael Wortham 5-yard run (Ty Morrison kick), 6:08. Grizzlies 21–17. Drive: 16 plays, 81 yards, 8:46.
  • MTST – Caden Dowler 34-yard interception return (Myles Sansted kick), 1:07. Bobcats 24–21.

Fourth quarter

  • MTST – Justin Lamson 23-yard run (Myles Sansted kick), 8:58. Bobcats 31–21. Drive: 9 plays, 65 yards, 4:22.
  • MONT – Eli Gillman 52-yard run (Ty Morrison kick), 6:59. Bobcats 31–28. Drive: 5 plays, 83 yards, 1:52.
StatisticsMTSTMONT
First downs2320
Total yards416364
Rushing yards241178
Passing yards175186
Passing: Comp–Att–Int18–20–026–32–1
Turnovers01
Time of possession31:5728:03
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Montana StatePassingJustin Lamson18/20, 175 yards, TD
RushingJulius Davis15 carries, 106 yards
ReceivingDane Steel4 receptions, 54 yards, TD
MontanaPassingKeali'i Ah Yat26/32, 186 yards, TD, INT
RushingEli Gillman15 carries, 132 yards, TD
ReceivingBrooks Davis10 receptions, 113 yards, TD

No. 24 Yale (Division I Second Round)

2025 NCAA Division I FCS Playoffs Second Round
No. 24 Yale Bulldogs (9–2) at No. 2 Montana State Bobcats (10–2) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
No. 24 Bulldogs 0 0 01313
No. 2 Bobcats 7 0 7721

at Bobcat Stadium, Bozeman, Montana

  • Date: December 6
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. MST
  • Game weather: Snow, 36 °F (2 °C)
  • Game attendance: 20,867
  • Referee: Zach Erdmann
  • TV announcers (ESPN+): Jason Ross Jr. (play by play) and Tyoka Jackson (analyst)
Game information
First quarter
  • MTST – Chris Long 0-yard fumble return (Myles Sansted kick), 2:56. Bobcats 7–0.

Second quarter

  • No scoring plays

Third quarter

  • MTST – Julius Davis 3-yard run (Myles Sansted kick), 1:51. Bobcats 14–0. Drive: 9 plays, 70 yards, 4:18.

Fourth quarter

  • YALE – Nico Brown 25-yard pass from Dante Reno (run failed), 14:18. Bobcats 14–6. Drive: 5 plays, 61 yards, 2:33.
  • MTST – Adam Jones 33-yard run (Myles Sansted kick), 10:20. Bobcats 21–6. Drive: 7 plays, 73 yards, 3:58.
  • YALE – Josh Pitsenberger 6-yard run (Noah Piper kick), 2:09. Bobcats 21–13. Drive: 5 plays, 54 yards, 2:01.
StatisticsYALEMTST
First downs2420
Total yards351341
Rushing yards153249
Passing yards19892
Passing: Comp–Att–Int20–36–310–16–0
Turnovers41
Time of possession33:5526:05
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
YalePassingDante Reno20/35, 198 yards, TD, 2 INT
RushingJosh Pitsenberger26 rushes, 124 yards, TD
ReceivingNico Brown11 receptions, 107 yards, TD
Montana StatePassingJustin Lamson10/16, 92 yards
RushingAdam Jones18 rushes, 107 yards, TD
ReceivingAdam Jones2 receptions, 34 yards

No. 20 Stephen F. Austin (Division I Quarterfinal)

2025 NCAA Division I FCS Playoffs Quarterfinal
No. 20 Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks at No. 2 Montana State Bobcats – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
No. 20 Lumberjacks 0 8 13728
No. 2 Bobcats 7 17 101044

at Bobcat Stadium • Bozeman, Montana

  • Date: December 12
  • Game time: 7:00 p.m. MST
  • Game weather: Sunny, 38 °F (3 °C)
  • Game attendance: 19,807
  • Referee: Jason Berg
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Clay Matvick (play by play), Chase Daniel (analyst) and Morgan Uber (sideline reporter)
Game information
First quarter
  • MTST – Adam Jones 1-yard run (Myles Sansted kick), 5:13. Bobcats 7–0. Drive: 10 plays, 65 yards, 5:35.

Second quarter

  • MTST – Adam Jones 21-yard pass from Justin Lamson (Myles Sansted kick), 15:00. Bobcats 14–0. Drive: 9 plays, 57 yards, 4:04.
  • MTST – Myles Sansted 47-yard field goal, 1:50. Bobcats 17–0. Drive: 6 plays, 14 yards, 2:33.
  • MTST – Luvens Valcin 3-yard pass from Justin Lamson (Myles Sansted kick), 1:33. Bobcats 24–0. Drive: 2 plays, 18 yards, 0:08.
  • SFA – Clayton Wayland 11-yard pass from Sam Vidlak (Sam Vidlak pass to Clayton Wayland), 0:11. Bobcats 24–8. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 1:22.

Third quarter

  • SFA – Jaylen Jenkins 5-yard run (pass failed), 9:04. Bobcats 24–14. Drive: 14 plays, 76 yards, 5:56.
  • MTST – Myles Sansted 36-yard field goal, 6:07. Bobcats 27–14. Drive: 6 plays, 45 yards, 2:51.
  • MTST – Justin Lamson 5-yard run (Myles Sansted kick), 3:04. Bobcats 34–14. Drive: 6 plays, 66 yards, 2:39.
  • SFA – Jaylen Jenkins 6-yard run (Carlos Alvarado kick), 0:16. Bobcats 34–21. Drive: 8 plays, 87 yards, 2:48.

Fourth quarter

  • MTST – Adam Jones 16-yard run (Myles Sansted kick), 14:36. Bobcats 41–21. Drive: 3 plays, 69 yards, 0:40.
  • SFA – Gavin Rutherford 2-yard run (Carlos Alvarado kick), 10:05. Bobcats 41–28. Drive: 12 plays, 77 yards, 4:31.
  • MTST – Myles Sansted 23-yard field goal, 1:52. Bobcats 44–28. Drive: 13 plays, 69 yards, 8:13.
StatisticsSFAMTST
First downs2225
Total yards344473
Rushing yards102227
Passing yards242246
Passing: Comp–Att–Int26–43–120–26–1
Turnovers31
Time of possession24:3235:28
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Stephen F. AustinPassingSam Vidlak26/43, 242 yards, TD, INT
RushingJerrell Wimbley11 rushes, 75 yards
ReceivingKylon Harris11 receptions, 85 yards
Montana StatePassingJustin Lamson20/26, 246 yards, 2 TD, INT
RushingAdam Jones9 rushes, 114 yards, 2 TD
ReceivingDane Steel3 receptions, 68 yards

No. 3 Montana (Division I Semifinal)

2025 NCAA Division I FCS Playoffs Semifinal
No. 3 Montana Grizzlies at No. 2 Montana State Bobcats – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
No. 3 Grizzlies 0 16 7023
No. 2 Bobcats 13 7 72148

at Bobcat Stadium • Bozeman, Montana

  • Date: December 20
  • Game time: 2:00 p.m. MST
  • Game weather: Sunny, 33 °F (1 °C)
  • Game attendance: 22,277
  • Referee: Bruce Austin
  • TV announcers (ESPN2/ABC): Dave Flemming (play by play), Brock Osweiler (analyst) and Dawn Davenport (sideline reporter)
Game information
First quarter
  • MTST – Justin Lamson 4-yard run (Myles Sansted kick), 10:40. Bobcats 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 60 yards, 3:18.
  • MTST – Adam Jones 7-yard run (pass failed), 2:59. Bobcats 13–0. Drive: 10 plays, 55 yards, 4:22.

Second quarter

  • MONT – Jo Silver 21-yard field goal, 12:52. Bobcats 13–3. Drive: 13 plays, 72 yards, 5:07.
  • MTST – Adam Jones 54-yard run (Myles Sansted kick), 11:25. Bobcats 20–3. Drive: 3 plays, 68 yards, 1:27.
  • MONT – Eli Gillman 17-yard run (run failed), 7:02. Bobcats 20–9. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 4:23.
  • MONT – Keali'i Ah Yat 5-yard run (Jo Silver kick), 0:12. Bobcats 20–16. Drive: 8 plays, 40 yards, 3:11.

Third quarter

  • MONT – Jake Olson 1-yard pass from Keali'i Ah Yat (Jo Silver kick), 8:47. Grizzlies 23–20. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 3:15.
  • MTST – Rocky Lencioni 2-yard pass from Justin Lamson (Myles Sansted kick), 2:07. Bobcats 27–23. Drive: 14 plays, 75 yards, 6:40.

Fourth quarter

  • MTST – Taco Dowler 87-yard pass from Justin Lamson (Myles Sansted kick), 12:05. Bobcats 34–23. Drive: 5 plays, 90 yards, 2:40.
  • MTST – Justin Lamson 7-yard run (Myles Sansted kick), 7:57. Bobcats 41–23. Drive: 5 plays, 60 yards, 3:05.
  • MTST – Bryce Grebe 40-yard interception return (Myles Sansted kick), 7:01. Bobcats 48–23.
StatisticsMONTMTST
First downs1823
Total yards347449
Rushing yards96240
Passing yards251209
Passing: Comp–Att–Int27–42–113–19–0
Turnovers11
Time of possession28:1731:43
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
MontanaPassingKeali'i Ah Yat27/42, 251 yards, TD, INT
RushingEli Gillman16 rushes, 106 yards, TD
ReceivingMichael Wortham8 receptions, 85 yards
Montana StatePassingJustin Lamson13/19, 209 yards, 2 TD
RushingAdam Jones16 rushes, 131 yards, 2 TD
ReceivingTaco Dowler5 receptions, 125 yards, TD

Vs. No. 17т Illinois State (Division I Football Championship Game)

2026 NCAA Division I Football Championship Game
No. 17т Illinois State Redbirds vs. No. 2 Montana State Bobcats – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34OTTotal
No. 17т Redbirds 0 7 714634
No. 2 Bobcats 7 14 70735

at FirstBank Stadium • Nashville, Tennessee

  • Date: January 5, 2026
  • Game time: 5:30 p.m. MST / 7:30 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: Clear • Temperature: 57 °F (14 °C) • Wind: S at 7 miles per hour (11 km/h)
  • Game attendance: 24,105
  • Referee: James Brookhart
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Dave Flemming (play by play), Brock Osweiler (analyst) and Stormy Buonantony (sideline reporter)
Game information
First quarter
  • MTST – Justin Lamson 3-yard run (Myles Sansted kick), 4:51. Bobcats 7–0. Drive: 10 plays, 90 yards, 5:50.

Second quarter

  • MTST – Justin Lamson 2-yard run (Myles Sansted kick), 10:49. Bobcats 14–0. Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 3:26.
  • ILST – Scotty Presson Jr. 6-yard pass from Tommy Rittenhouse (Michael Cosentino kick), 0:54. Bobcats 14–7. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 4:23.
  • MTST – Dane Steel 33-yard pass from Justin Lamson (Myles Sansted kick), 0:18. Bobcats 21–7. Drive: 3 plays, 75 yards, 0:36.

Third quarter

  • ILST – Logan Brasfield 1-yard run (Michael Consentino kick), 5:32. Bobcats 21–14. Drive: 17 plays, 85 yards, 7:32.
  • MTST – Taco Dowler 22-yard run (Myles Sansted kick), 3:18. Bobcats 28–14. Drive: 6 plays, 64 yards, 2:08.

Fourth quarter

  • ILST – Daniel Sobkowicz 4-yard pass from Tommy Rittenhouse (Michael Cosentino kick), 10:13. Bobcats 28–21. Drive: 15 plays, 81 yards, 8:01.
  • ILST – Dylan Lord 25-yard pass from Tommy Rittenhouse (Michael Cosentino kick), 5:10. Tied 28–28. Drive: 8 plays, 60 yards, 3:52.

Overtime

  • ILST – Dylan Lord 10-yard pass from Tommy Rittenhouse (kick blocked). Redbirds 34–28. Drive: 2 plays, 25 yards.
  • MTST – Taco Dowler 14-yard pass from Justin Lamson (Myles Sansted kick). Bobcats 35–34. Drive: 5 plays, 25 yards.
StatisticsILSTMTST
First downs3320
Total yards471381
Rushing yards160101
Passing yards311280
Passing: Comp–Att–Int33–46–018–27–0
Turnovers00
Time of possession39:4120:19
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Illinois StatePassingTommy Rittenhouse33/46, 311 yards, 4 TD
RushingVictor Dawson29 rushes, 126 yards
ReceivingDylan Lord13 receptions, 161 yards, 2 TD
Montana StatePassingJustin Lamson18/27, 280 yards, 2 TD
RushingAdam Jones5 rushes, 46 yards
ReceivingTaco Dowler8 receptions, 111 yards, TD

Ranking movements

Ranking movements
Legend: ██ Increase in ranking ██ Decrease in ranking
т = Tied with team above or below ( ) = First-place votes
Week
PollPre12345678910111213Final
STATS FCS2 (1)3 (1)44455554т33 (1)321 (56)
Coaches23т66т6555543332 (1)1 (21)

Roster

2025 Montana State Bobcats football team roster
Players Coaches
Offense
Pos.#NameClass
WR 1 Chris Long Sr
RB 3 Jared White Jr
WR 4 Jacob Trimble Jr
WR 5 Javonte King  So
QB 6 River Warren Fr
QB 8 Justin Lamson Sr
WR 9 Ryan King Sr
WR 10 Jabez Woods  Fr
WR 11 Maxwell Hendrick Fr
WR 12 Jordan Reed Jr
QB 13 Chance Wilson  So
WR 14 Taco Dowler Jr
QB 15 Patrick Duchien  So
QB 17 Grant Vigen Fr
WR 18 Parker Mady Fr
WR 19 Tom Carter So
WR 20 Kee Christiansen  Fr
RB 22 Shanko Kornachuk Fr
RB 23 Adam Jones  So
RB 25 Cale Breslin Fr
RB 26 Malachi Claunch Fr
RB 28 Colson Coon  So
RB 32 Julius Davis Sr
TE 35 Tommy Springman Fr
RB 47 George Helms  Fr
OL 51 Dalton Noble  Fr
OL 53 Nicholas Maloff Fr
C, G 54 Zac Nyland  So
G 55 J. T. Reed Sr
OL 56 Samora Ezekiel Jr
OL 57 Everett Carr  So
OL 60 Tommy Nilson So
OL 61 Aiden Kaplan  Fr
OL 63 Dylan Rollins So
OL 64 Burke Mastel So
OL 65 Vaughn Wirkus Fr
OT 66 Titan Fleischmann  Jr
OL 68 Nate Thornton Fr
OL 72 Braden Zimmer  Fr
OL 73 Cedric Jefferson  So
OL 75 Ben Winters Fr
OL 79 Jonathan Luhmann  So
TE 80 Luvens Valcin  Fr
TE 81 Carter Cocke Fr
TE 82 Luke Smith  So
WR 83 Kash Embry Fr
WR 84 Dane Steel  Fr
TE 85 Carter Curnow Fr
TE 86 Hunter Provience  So
TE 87 Thomas Buchanan  Fr
TE 88 Rylan Schlepp So
TE 89 Rocky Lencioni  Fr
 Defense
Pos.#NameClass
DB 0 Takhari Carr Jr
DB 1 Jhase McMillan  Fr
DB 2 Taki Uluilakepa  So
DB 3 Kory Boyd  Fr
S, NB 5 Caden Dowler Jr
DB 6 Bryant Meredith So
DB 7 Tayden Gray  So
DB 8 Carson Williams  Fr
DB 9 Seth Johnson  Fr
LB 10 Bryce Grebe  So
DE 11 Kenneth Eiden IV Sr
LB 12 Ryan Bowles  Fr
CB 13 Jackson Harmon Sr
DB 15 Ife Ohalete Jr
DB 16 Brendon Ross  Fr
DB 17 Hayden Gunlock Fr
DB 18 Tim Thomas II Fr
LB 19 Neil Daily Jr
CB 22 Marcus Coleman II Fr
DB 24 Colter Petre  So
DB 25 Luke Oxarart Fr
LB 27 Brock Steel Jr
DB 29 JJ Dolan  So
LB 31 Vinnie Souza Fr
LB 33 Mason Dethman  Fr
LB 34 Cole Taylor  So
DE 36 Zac Crews Jr
LB 37 Josh Woodberry  Fr
DT 41 Paul Brott Sr
LB 42 Ryan Krahe Jr
LB 43 Xavier Ahrens Fr
DE 44 Jake Vigen Jr
DE 45 Hunter Parsons Sr
DE 46 Logan Fredericksen So
DE 48 Blaine Downing Fr
LB 49 Zac Waible So
DT 50 Zack Black Jr
DT 55 AJ Tanupo  Fr
DE 58 Dominic Solano So
DT 69 Jaren Perkins Jr
DT 90 Hunter Sharbono  So
DE 91 Seth Brock  Fr
DT 92 Graysen Schneider Fr
DT 94 Josaiah Asuega Fr
DE 96 Major Thornhill Fr
DT 97 Alec Eckert Sr
DL 98 Hudson Wiens  Fr
DL 99 Talon Marsh  So
 Special teams
Pos.#NameClass
P 30 Colby Frokjer Fr
K 38 Michael Rubich Fr
K 39 Myles Sansted So
LS 40 Brody Johnson Fr
Head coach
Coordinators/assistant coaches
  • Shawn Howe (Defensive coordinator)
  • Pete Sterbick (Offensive coordinator / quarterbacks)
  • Marcus Monaco (special teams coordinator / director of football video)
  • Jody Owens (linebackers / assistant head coach)
  • Nicolas Jean-Baptiste (defensive line)
  • Sam Mix (wide receivers)
  • Bryan Shepherd (safeties / pass game coordinator)
  • Matt Smith (offensive line)
  • Jordan Walsh (tight ends)
  • Josh Firm (running backs)
  • Trenton Greene (cornerbacks)
  • Jake Dusenbury (assistant defensive line)
  • Jesse Moser (assistant offensive line)
  • Sean Chambers (assistant wide receivers)
  • Kiante Goudeau (assistant defensive backs)
  • Derek Griebel (assistant special teams)
Legend
  • (C) Team captain
  • (S) Suspended
  • (I) Ineligible
  • Injured Injured
  • Redshirt Redshirt

Roster
Last update: August 24, 2025

References

  1. ↑ "Montana State beats Montana 48-23 in Cats-Griz 2.0 to reach 3rd FCS title game in 5 seasons". ESPN/AP. December 20, 2025. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  2. ↑ "Montana State tops Illinois State in wild FCS title game". ESPN. January 5, 2026. Retrieved January 8, 2026.
  3. ↑ Herder, Sam (November 24, 2025). "2025 FCS Regular-Season Attendance Leaders". www.herosports.com. Hero Sports. Retrieved February 28, 2026.
  4. ↑ "2025 Montana State Bobcats Football Transfers". ON3.
  5. ↑ "Montana State Bobcats 2025 College Football Transfer Portal Latest Activity". 247Sports.
  6. ↑ "2025 FCS-to-FCS Transfers". herosports.
  7. ↑ "2025 FBS-to-FCS Transfers". herosports.
  8. ↑ "2025 FCS-to-FBS Transfers". herosports.
  9. ↑ Lamberty, Bill (February 5, 2025). "Bobcat Football Program Adds Six". msubobcats. Retrieved May 17, 2025.
  10. ↑ "2025 Montana State Football Schedule". FBSchedules.com. Retrieved January 30, 2025.
source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_Montana_State_Bobcats_football_team