You really can't talk about college football in the West without mentioning the absolute tear the Bobcats have been on lately. Honestly, if you missed the news last week, Montana State just capped off a massive 2025 season by hoisting the FCS National Championship trophy in Nashville. A 35-34 overtime thriller against Illinois State. It was the kind of game that leaves your heart in your throat, especially when Justin Lamson hit Taco Dowler for that final touchdown.
But that’s yesterday’s news. Well, technically it's last week's news. Now, every Bobcat fan I know is already looking at the montana state football schedule for 2026. After a year where they went 14-2 and swept through the Big Sky like a wildfire, the target on their back is massive.
The 2026 Non-Conference Gauntlet
Brent Vigen isn't exactly known for taking the easy road. The 2026 non-conference stretch is a weird, fascinating mix of "who are they?" and "oh, this is going to be a bloodbath."
The season kicks off on August 29. They’re heading down to St. George to face Utah Tech. It’s a road game to start, which is always a bit dicey, but the real intrigue starts a week later. On September 5, Butler comes to Bozeman. It’s actually the first time these two programs have ever met. If you're a betting person, the home opener at Bobcat Stadium is usually a safe place to put your money, given the atmosphere.
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Then comes the "grudge match" on September 12. MSU travels to Reno to take on Nevada. For the younger fans, this might just look like an FBS vs. FCS matchup. But for the old-timers? This is a throwback to the old Big Sky rivalries from the 80s. Nevada used to be a conference staple before they jumped to the Mountain West. Seeing the Bobcats go into a Mountain West stadium after their recent dominance? That’s going to be the most-watched game of September in Montana.
They wrap up the non-con at home on September 19 against Central Connecticut State. Again, another first-time opponent. It's a smart bit of scheduling by Leon Costello, the AD. You get some fresh blood in Bozeman before the Big Sky meat grinder begins.
Breaking Down the Big Sky Slate
The conference schedule was actually just released this past October, and it's a doozy. The Bobcats are getting a four-game home slate in league play, and it's basically a "Who's Who" of charter members.
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- Sept 26: Northern Arizona (Home)
- Oct 3: at Idaho
- Oct 17: at Eastern Washington
- Oct 24: Weber State (Home)
- Oct 31: Cal Poly (Home)
- Nov 7: at Idaho State
- Nov 14: at Northern Colorado
- Nov 21: Montana (The Brawl of the Wild)
The bye week hits on October 10. That’s probably the most important date on the calendar besides the Griz game. By then, the team will have played six straight weeks, including a road trip to Moscow to face an Idaho team that’s been itching for a piece of the Bobcats.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Schedule
A lot of folks look at the montana state football schedule and think the road games in October are the trap. I actually think it's the Weber State game on October 24.
Weber has this annoying habit of playing MSU closer than anyone expects, and it’s sandwiched right after a long trip to Cheney. Playing at Eastern Washington on that red turf is physically draining. Coming home to face a disciplined Weber squad? That’s where seasons go to die.
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And let’s be real—the November 21 date is the only one that truly matters to some people. After MSU "spanked" (as the Yale Daily News put it) the Griz 48-23 in the 2025 semifinals, you can bet Missoula is going to be a powder keg.
Practical Tips for the 2026 Season
If you're planning on catching a game, honestly, buy your tickets now. Or at least the second they go on sale. Bobcat Stadium has become one of the toughest tickets in the FCS.
- Tailgating: The Kagy Boulevard side is where the soul of the program lives. Get there five hours early. No, seriously.
- Travel: If you're going to the Nevada game in Reno, book your flights through Salt Lake. It’s usually cheaper than trying to fly direct out of Bozeman or Billings.
- Gear: If the 2025 championship run taught us anything, it's that "Gold Rush" isn't just a marketing slogan. It's a requirement.
The Bobcats are currently sitting on a 14-game winning streak (counting the playoffs). They finished 8-0 in the Big Sky last year. Maintaining that level of perfection with a schedule that includes an FBS road trip and the return of charter rivals is a tall order. But with the way Vigen has this program humming, I wouldn't bet against them.
Keep an eye on the injury reports coming out of spring ball. With some key seniors graduating from that championship squad, the early games against Utah Tech and Butler will be less about the score and more about seeing which underclassmen are ready to step into those "championship-caliber" shoes.