Montana State Football (Bobcats): Complete 2026 Guide

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Montana State football is one of the best-known programs in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). The Montana State Bobcats play for Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana, compete in the Big Sky Conference, and enter 2026 as the defending FCS national champions.

This guide brings the whole program together: the schedule, scores and results, the live score, the roster, players, coaches, tickets, the TV schedule and the rivalry with Montana.

Montana State football at a glance

CategoryDetails
TeamMontana State Bobcats
UniversityMontana State University, Bozeman, Montana
ConferenceBig Sky Conference (NCAA Division I FCS)
StadiumBobcat Stadium
RivalMontana Grizzlies (Cat-Griz game)
Head coachBrent Vigen
ColorsBlue and gold
National titles1956, 1976, 1984, 2025

The 2026 Bobcat season

The Bobcats open with non-conference games, play nine Big Sky games, and close the regular season against Montana in Bozeman. All times are Mountain Time. See the full 2026 Montana State football schedule for updates.

DateGameTime / result
Aug 29at Utah TechW 54–0
Sep 5vs ButlerW 51–24
Sep 12at NevadaW 20–7
Sep 19vs. Central Connecticut StateW
Sep 26vs Northern Arizona (Homecoming)W 28–14
Oct 2at Idaho8:30 pm MT. Final score added after the game
Oct 17at Eastern Washington5:00 pm MT
Oct 24vs Weber State1:00 pm MT
Oct 31vs Cal Poly1:00 pm MT
Nov 7at Idaho State4:00 pm MT
Nov 14at Northern Colorado12:00 noon MT
Nov 21vs. Montana (Cat-Griz, Senior Day)12:00 noon MT

Special game days include Homecoming against Northern Arizona and Senior Day against Montana.

Results so far

The Bobcats were 5–0 through their Sep 26 Homecoming win over Northern Arizona. The scores and results page lists every final, and the live score page shows whether a game is scheduled, in progress, or finished. After each game, box scores, stats, and recaps are on the official Montana State athletics game center.

The team

The roster covers quarterbacks, running backs, receivers, tight ends, linemen, linebackers, defensive backs, and specialists. The official roster lists each jersey number, position, class, and hometown. Use the 2026 roster page and the players page for position groups and the quarterback.

Leadership

Brent Vigen is the head coach in his fifth season with a 61–12 record through 2025. His teams won Big Sky titles in 2022, 2024, and 2025. The coaches page covers the full staff.

Bobcat Stadium

Home games are at Bobcat Stadium in Bozeman, with 17,777 seats and a record crowd of 22,047 from the 2022 Cat-Griz game. See the Bobcat Stadium guide.

Seats and parking

Tickets for individual home games and season packages come from the Montana State athletics ticket office, with separate student tickets. Demand is highest for conference games and the Montana game. Read the tickets and parking guide.

Ways to follow the games

Most 2026 games stream on ESPN+ with Scripps Sports; some games are scheduled for national TV such as The CW or ESPN2, and the Bobcat Sports Radio Network carries games on radio. Channels change by game, so check the Montana State football TV schedule before kickoff.

The Cat-Griz rivalry

The Cat-Griz game, officially the Brawl of the Wild, is the yearly game between Montana State and the Montana Grizzlies for the Great Divide Trophy. In 2026 Montana visits Bobcat Stadium on Nov 21 at noon, MT. Read Montana State vs. Montana for the history.

Montana State in the Big Sky Conference

The conference added Southern Utah and Utah Tech for 2026. Montana State’s 2026 Big Sky opponents are Northern Arizona, Idaho, Eastern Washington, Weber State, Cal Poly, Idaho State, Northern Colorado, and Montana. Conference results shape the standings and the FCS playoff field.

Key matchups

The best-known recent game is the 2025 championship, a 35–34 overtime win over Illinois State. See Montana State vs. Illinois State. Upcoming game pages: Eastern Washington, Weber State, Cal Poly, and Idaho State.

History and team identity

The Bobcats won national titles in 1956, 1976, 1984, and 2025, the only program with titles at three levels. Fans also say Bobcat Football, Bobcats Football, and Bobcat Nation. Read the championship history and the logo, mascot, and colors page.

Following a game day

Before a game most fans want the kickoff time, opponent, and channel. During it they want the live score. Afterward, they want the final score, player stats, and the next game. This page and the pages linked above cover all three.

Montana State football FAQ

What is Montana State football called?

The Montana State Bobcats, or simply the Bobcats.


Where does Montana State play football?

Bobcat Stadium in Bozeman, Montana.

What conference is Montana State football in?

The Big Sky Conference, at the NCAA Division I FCS level. Who is the Montana State football coach?

Brent Vigen. What is the Cat-Griz game?

The annual football rivalry game between Montana State and the University of Montana.

When is the Cat-Griz game in 2026?

Saturday, Nov 21, at noon, MT at Bobcat Stadium.

Where can I find the Montana State football schedule?

On the schedule page of this guide and on the official Montana State athletics site.

Where can I find Montana State football scores?

On the scores page here, and in the official game center for box scores and recaps. Pin Live Score is an independent fan site, not affiliated with Montana State University. Verify times and channels with the official athletics site.