Hometown Hero: Missoula’s Evan Pyron Commits to Montana Grizzlies for 2026

Hellgate standout turns down UC Davis, North Dakota, and others to stay home and play for the Griz

MISSOULA — There’s something special about a local kid choosing to stay home. And on Saturday night, Missoula Hellgate’s Evan Pyron made that decision loud and clear — not with a press conference or parade, but with a simple post on X.

“Extremely proud to announce my commitment to the University of Montana,” Pyron wrote, with a photo in a Griz uniform and the words “Homegrown” stamped across the bottom.

For a program that thrives on identity and loyalty, this one matters. Pyron isn’t just another solid recruit. He’s the first hometown commitment in Montana’s 2026 football recruiting class — and he’s got the stats, the size, and the story to back it up.

A two-way standout with real bite

At 6-foot-4 and nearly 230 pounds, Pyron was a dominant force for Hellgate on both sides of the ball. His junior season saw him earn second-team all-state honors as a tight end in Montana’s top classification — no small feat. He also notched first-team all-conference recognition, and his name kept popping up in prep scouting circles across the Northwest.

But it wasn’t just what he did with the ball. His real future — at least according to the Griz — is on the other side of the line. His commitment graphic listed him as a defensive end.

“He’s got that first-step quickness and motor that’s just hard to teach,” said one in-state college recruiter who followed Pyron this spring. “If he can add a little more strength and keep that speed, he’s going to be a problem for Big Sky quarterbacks.”

And he’s still got a whole senior year left to play.

Griz beat out FCS rivals and FBS attention

Pyron wasn’t short on interest. He had reported scholarship offers from:

• UC Davis

• North Dakota

• Carroll College

• Montana Tech

But there was plenty of other interest in the mix. Stanford and Washington State were tracking his development. North Dakota State — the powerhouse of the FCS — had checked in. So had Montana State, Brown, and a half-dozen smaller programs across the West.

According to sources close to the family, it wasn’t about chasing the biggest offer. It was about the right fit.

“Evan’s got a big heart and strong roots,” one Hellgate assistant coach said. “He wants to represent Missoula and do it the right way. Playing for the Griz lets him do both.”

Staying close to home means something

The University of Montana has long prided itself on recruiting its backyard — and getting a Hellgate player of Pyron’s caliber checks a lot of boxes.

Not only is Pyron a high-ceiling defensive end, he’s also a symbol of what the program is trying to build: local pride meets national ambition.

It’s not just sentimental, either. There’s data to support how important in-state talent is to the Grizzlies’ success:

As the Griz prepare for another playoff push, locking in a hometown playmaker sends a message: homegrown still matters.

Quiet leader, big goals

Friends describe Pyron as more soft-spoken than swagger-filled. He’s not the type to boast about his offers or drop highlight reels every week.

“He’s about work,” said one teammate. “He’s always first in the weight room, and usually last out.”

Still, there’s an intensity behind the scenes. He trains year-round, hits summer camps hard, and keeps his circle tight. That mix of humility and drive is exactly what Montana head coach Bobby Hauck looks for.

“He’ll fit in just fine,” said one Griz staffer.

What’s next before signing day?

Pyron still has a full senior season ahead of him at Hellgate, where he’s expected to anchor both the defensive line and play an expanded role on offense.

And while he’s now a verbal commit, nothing is signed until December’s early signing period. So technically, schools can still call. But sources say Pyron is firm on his choice.

“He’s 100% locked in,” one family friend said. “It’s Griz or nothing.”

Recruiting insiders also expect Montana to push for a few more in-state commitments before fall. But Pyron’s pledge is a strong start — and a statement.

Fans already taking notice

It didn’t take long for Griz Nation to react. Pyron’s commitment post quickly racked up hundreds of likes and retweets from alumni, boosters, and former players.

Some of the top comments included:

• “A Missoula kid in maroon. Love it.”

• “The kind of guy who will give his all for the M.”

• “Welcome home, Evan. Let’s get to work.”

Even longtime Missoula Sentinel rival fans gave props.

And while Pyron has kept things low-key so far, expect his profile to grow once Friday nights return.