If you were watching the FCS National Championship on January 5, 2026, you saw a kid with "Taco" on his jersey basically single-handedly keeping Montana State’s title dreams alive. The 14-yard touchdown he hauled in during overtime wasn’t just a highlight; it was the moment he became a household name. But let’s be real for a second. Nobody is actually named Taco at birth.
The Taco Dowler real name is McLean Dowler.
It’s a solid name, sure. But McLean doesn’t quite have the same ring to it when you’re carving up defenses for 111 yards in the biggest game of your life. Honestly, most fans just assumed it was a nickname given to him by a coach or some weird hazing ritual. The truth is actually much funnier and way more Montana.
The Taco Bell Incident
The story of how McLean became Taco started in a drive-thru. It wasn’t a marketing stunt. It wasn’t a NIL deal (though Taco Bell would be crazy not to sign him now).
According to his twin brother and Bobcat teammate, Caden Dowler, the whole thing started when they were little kids. The family was sitting in a Taco Bell drive-thru when young McLean looked at the glowing purple sign and just blurted out, "That’s my name." He didn't just suggest it. He claimed it.
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Kids do weird stuff, right? Usually, it lasts a week. But McLean was different. He committed to the bit. Caden actually told NBC Montana that he tried to get in on the action, too. Caden briefly decided his name was "Burrito."
Caden eventually realized being called Burrito was kind of annoying and went back to his real name. McLean? He never looked back. He’s been Taco to his family, his teachers, and his coaches ever since.
High School Phenom to National Champion
Before he was a hero in Bozeman, Taco was a legend in Billings. Playing for Billings West, he was basically a cheat code on the field.
He didn't just play wide receiver; he was a defensive back and a return specialist who could flip a game in three seconds. By the time he graduated, he was the 2021-2022 Gatorade Montana Player of the Year. That’s not a participation trophy. He racked up over 2,700 receiving yards in high school and was a three-time All-State selection.
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When he committed to Montana State in 2021, he wasn't just another recruit. He was the #3 ranked player in the state.
Recent 2025/2026 Season Stats
Taco isn't just a gimmick name. The kid has serious NFL potential. Look at what he did this past season leading up to the 2026 championship:
- Receptions: 77
- Receiving Yards: 1,025
- Touchdowns: 7
- All-Purpose Yards: 1,472 (he’s a nightmare on punt returns)
In the 2026 NCAA Division I Football Championship game against Illinois State, Taco was the primary reason the Bobcats walked away with a 35-34 overtime win. He caught 8 passes for 111 yards. Most importantly, he caught that game-tying touchdown in OT that set up the winning extra point.
Why the Name Matters for His Future
People ask about the Taco Dowler real name because they’re curious, but the nickname has actually become a massive part of his brand. In the era of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness), being named "Taco" is a gold mine.
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He’s already been drawing attention from NFL scouts. They love his speed—he runs a 4.59 forty and has a 31-inch vertical—but they also love the personality. He’s a 5’9”, 170-pound firecracker who plays with a chip on his shoulder. Whether he stays McLean on the official roster or keeps Taco on his jersey at the next level, the name has become synonymous with "playmaker."
Interestingly, Taco isn't the only athlete in the family history with a name people remember. While not directly related in a way that impacts his birth certificate, the Dowler name carries weight in football circles. Boyd Dowler was a Green Bay Packers legend. Whether it’s genetics or just the Montana air, the Dowler twins are continuing a legacy of high-level athleticism.
What Most Fans Miss About McLean
It’s easy to focus on the nickname, but Taco is actually a 3.5 GPA student. He’s not just some "football bro." He spent time in high school volunteering with special needs students and has always been a leader in the locker room.
If you’re looking for a jersey to buy, the #14 for the Montana State Bobcats is the one. Just don't expect to find "McLean" on the back. He’s been Taco since that drive-thru encounter, and after winning a national title, it’s unlikely he’ll ever go back.
Key Takeaways for Fans
- Actual Name: McLean Dowler.
- Origin: Claimed the name at a Taco Bell drive-thru as a child.
- Twin Brother: Caden Dowler (who briefly went by Burrito).
- Status: 2026 FCS National Champion and First-Team All-Big Sky.
If you are following his path to the NFL, keep an eye on his punt return highlights. That is where the "Taco" magic really happens. He has an uncanny ability to find seams in coverage that most receivers just don't see. He’s currently a junior, so we might get one more year of "Taco Tuesday" on Saturdays in Bozeman before he makes the jump to the pros.
To see Taco in action, your best bet is to catch the Montana State highlights from the 2025-2026 season on the Bobcat Athletics YouTube channel or follow his personal X account, where he occasionally posts training updates. If you're a collector, his 2021 Gatorade Player of the Year memorabilia is already becoming a hot item in the Montana sports market.