What's Happening?
Montana State emerged victorious in a dramatic FCS national championship game against Illinois State, held on January 5, 2026. The game, which took place at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee, concluded with a 35-34 overtime win for the Bobcats. The decisive moment came when Montana State's quarterback, Justin Lamson, connected with Taco Dowler for a 14-yard touchdown pass in overtime. This victory marks Montana State's first national title since 1984. Illinois State, despite entering the postseason unseeded, made an impressive run by winning four consecutive road games. However, their efforts fell short as their potential game-winning field goal was blocked in the final minute of regulation, and their point-after attempt in overtime was also
blocked.
Why It's Important?
This victory is significant for Montana State as it ends a 42-year championship drought, highlighting the team's resilience and strategic prowess. The win also underscores the competitive nature of the FCS, where unseeded teams like Illinois State can make deep playoff runs, adding unpredictability and excitement to the championship. For Illinois State, the loss is a bittersweet end to a remarkable postseason journey, showcasing their ability to challenge top teams despite being underdogs. The game's outcome may influence future FCS playoff strategies and seedings, as teams recognize the potential for lower-seeded teams to advance far in the tournament.
What's Next?
Following this championship, both teams will likely focus on recruiting and training to prepare for the next season. Montana State will aim to build on their success and defend their title, while Illinois State will look to capitalize on their strong postseason performance to attract new talent and improve their seeding in future tournaments. The FCS will continue to evaluate its playoff format and venue choices, especially with the championship game moving from its long-time location in Frisco, Texas, to Nashville due to stadium renovations.
