In a nail-biting overtime finish, the Montana State Bobcats captured the 2025 FCS national championship by edging out Illinois State 35-34 in Nashville on January 5, 2026. This victory marked their second title in program history and first since 1984, capping a remarkable playoff run that included a hard-fought win over Yale in the second round.
Bobcats’ Path to Glory Starts with Yale Upset Bid
The Bobcats entered the playoffs as the No. 2 seed with high expectations after a strong regular season. Their journey kicked off with a tense battle against Yale, who made history as the Ivy League’s first automatic qualifier to the FCS postseason.
Yale, fresh off a comeback win over Youngstown State, pushed Montana State to the limit in Bozeman on December 7, 2025. The Bulldogs trailed but mounted several drives that kept the game close until the end.
Despite being heavy underdogs, Yale’s defense held firm, forcing turnovers and limiting the Bobcats’ explosive offense. Montana State pulled away late for a 21-13 victory, but fans and analysts noted it as one of the tightest contests in their 14-game win streak.
This matchup highlighted Yale’s physical style and coaching, with social media buzzing about how the Bulldogs nearly spoiled the Bobcats’ title hopes.
Overtime Drama Seals Championship Win
The championship game against Illinois State turned into an instant classic. Played at Toyota Stadium in Nashville, the Bobcats overcame an early deficit to force overtime.
Quarterback Justin Lamson delivered in crunch time, connecting with receiver Taco Dowler on a dramatic fourth-down touchdown pass from 14 yards out. Kicker Myles Sansted’s extra point sealed the 35-34 win.
Illinois State had scored first in overtime, but Montana State’s resilience shone through. This thriller marked the first overtime in FCS title game history.
Fans celebrated wildly, with posts online praising the Bobcats’ grit. The victory ended a 42-year drought and boosted Montana State’s profile in college football.
Key moments included Lamson’s multiple touchdown throws and a stout defense that stopped Illinois State’s final push.
Standout Players Drive Bobcats’ Success
Several players stepped up during the playoffs. Lamson, the dual-threat quarterback, threw for over 2,500 yards this season and added rushing scores.
Running backs and receivers like Dowler provided balance, while the defense ranked among the top in the FCS for sacks and interceptions.
Here are some top performers from the championship run:
- Justin Lamson: 4 touchdown passes in the final game, including the game-winner.
- Taco Dowler: Clutch receptions, with the overtime score etching his name in history.
- Defensive line: Forced key stops, holding opponents under 20 points in most playoff games.
Yale’s game showcased early challenges, as the Bulldogs’ offense tested Montana State’s secondary.
Playoff Bracket and Key Matchups
The FCS playoffs featured 24 teams, with Montana State navigating a tough bracket. After Yale, they faced rivals like Montana in the semifinals, winning 48-23 in the first-ever playoff Brawl of the Wild.
Illinois State, an unseeded surprise, upset higher seeds to reach the final. Their run added to the drama.
| Round | Opponent | Score | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Second Round | Yale | 21-13 | Close battle, Yale’s historic Ivy bid |
| Quarterfinals | Next Opponent | Win by 10+ | Dominant defensive performance |
| Semifinals | Montana | 48-23 | Rivalry win advances to title |
| Championship | Illinois State | 35-34 (OT) | First OT in FCS final history |
This table shows how each win built momentum toward the championship.
Impact on College Football Landscape
Montana State’s triumph signals a shift in FCS power dynamics. The Big Sky Conference now boasts back-to-back finalists, raising its national profile.
For Yale, the loss stung but proved Ivy League teams can compete at this level. Their playoff appearance opened doors for future bids.
Broader trends include growing fan interest in FCS games, with viewership up 15 percent this season according to recent reports. Teams like Montana State draw crowds rivaling some FBS programs.
This win also inspires smaller schools, showing smart recruiting and coaching can lead to titles.
Experts predict Montana State could contend again in 2026, with key players returning.
What do you think about the Bobcats’ run? Share your thoughts in the comments and spread the word to fellow fans.
