Montana State wins first FCS title in 41 years

Montana State captured the 2025-26 FCS national championship with a dramatic 35-34 overtime victory over Illinois State, ending a 41-year title drought that dated to 1984. The Bobcats survived a furious fourth-quarter rally by the Redbirds and prevailed in the game’s first overtime in FCS championship history.

The overtime sequence underlined how small margins decided a heavyweight clash. Illinois State scored first in the extra period, but its point-after kick was blocked. Montana State then converted on a fourth-and-10 when quarterback Justin Lamson connected with Taco Dowler on a 14-yard touchdown, and kicker Myles Sansted’s PAT provided the final margin that sealed the title.

Lamson was the engine for the Bobcats, finishing with roughly 280 passing yards, two passing touchdowns and two rushing touchdowns. His multi-dimensional performance earned him Most Outstanding Player honors and was crucial in absorbing Illinois State’s late pressure and delivering when it mattered most.

Special teams swung momentum repeatedly. A late regulation field-goal attempt by Illinois State was blocked, forcing overtime after rescinding what looked like a potential game-winning kick. The blocked extra point in overtime compounded those pivotal moments, underscoring how kicking units decided the championship’s outcome as much as quarterbacks and receivers did.

The victory has ripple effects for Montana State and the Big Sky Conference. For head coach Brent Vigen it was his first national championship, and for the conference it marked its first triumph over an MVFC team in the title game. Those credentials matter for recruiting, conference prestige and how mid-major FCS programs schedule and sell themselves to prospects and fans going forward.

Illinois State’s comeback in the fourth quarter and possession management in overtime showed the Redbirds’ resilience and should fuel optimism in Normal despite the loss. For both programs the game will be a teaching moment about finishing games, situational play-calling and the premium on special teams execution in championship football.

The takeaway? Special teams win championships and clutch play on fourth down changes legacies. Our two cents? Teams that want to hoist the trophy need reliable kickers, disciplined coverage units and quarterbacks comfortable in pressure spots. If you’re building for next season, start with the kicking game and practice 4th-and-10 looks until they feel routine.