The Illinois State vs. Montana State game was the 2025 FCS championship match-up. Montana State won 35–34 in overtime to claim the national title in a dramatic finish.
The championship game was played at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville. The Bobcats entered the final after a strong playoff run and finished the season as FCS national champions.
Illinois State vs. Montana State Score
The final score was:
| Team | Score |
|---|---|
| Illinois State Redbirds | 34 |
| Montana State Bobcats | 35 |
Result: Montana State won 35–34 in overtime.
The game was decided after regulation, making it one of the closest FCS championship finishes in recent years.
2025 FCS Championship Game
Montana State and Illinois State met in the national championship game after advancing through the FCS playoffs.
The Bobcats reached the final by defeating Yale, Stephen F. Austin, and Montana. Illinois State also advanced through the playoff bracket to earn a place in the title game.
The championship was played in Nashville, Tennessee, at FirstBank Stadium. Montana State eventually secured the win in overtime.
Montana State vs. Illinois State Championship Result
Montana State finished the championship with a 35–34 victory.
The win added another national championship to the Bobcats’ football history. It also gave the program its fourth national title.
The result is an important part of the modern Montana State football era under head coach Brent Vigen.
How Montana State Reached the Final
Montana State entered the FCS playoffs as one of the top teams in the subdivision.
The Bobcats defeated Yale in the playoff quarterfinals. They then beat Stephen F. Austin in the semifinal round.
Montana State also defeated rival Montana during its playoff run. The rivalry game is known as the Brawl of the Wild or Cat-Griz.
Those victories sent the Bobcats to the national championship game against Illinois State.
Illinois State’s Path to the Championship
Illinois State reached the title game after winning its own FCS playoff match ups.
The Redbirds entered the final with a chance to win the national championship. Their strong postseason run set up a championship match up against Montana State.
The game remained close enough to require overtime, with the Bobcats eventually winning by one point.
Why the 35–34 Result Matters
The one-point margin made the championship especially memorable for Montana State fans.
A 35–34 overtime result means the game was not decided during the normal four quarters. Both teams had to play beyond regulation before a champion was crowned.
For Montana State, the victory completed its 2025 FCS championship run.
Montana State Football Championship History
Montana State has a long history in college football and has competed for national championships at different levels.
The 2025 FCS championship is one of the most important recent achievements in the program’s history. The Bobcats’ title run also followed previous national championship appearances under Brent Vigen. See the full Montana State football national championships history.
Fans looking for more information can explore the Montana State football schedule, scores and results, roster, and players.
Illinois State vs. Montana State FAQs
Who won Illinois State vs. Montana State?
Montana State won the 2025 FCS championship game, defeating Illinois State 35–34 in overtime.
What was the Illinois State vs. Montana State score?
The final score was Montana State 35, Illinois State 34, after overtime.
Where was the 2025 FCS championship played?
The 2025 FCS championship game was played at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee.
Was Illinois State vs Montana State decided in overtime?
Yes. Montana State and Illinois State were separated by one point after overtime, with the Bobcats winning 35–34.
What championship did Montana State win in 2025?
Montana State won the FCS national championship in 2025 after defeating Illinois State in the title game.
How did Montana State reach the FCS championship?
Montana State advanced through the FCS playoffs by defeating Yale, Stephen F. Austin, and Montana before reaching the championship game.
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Related: Montana State Football Hub · National Championships · Cat-Griz Rivalry
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