The 2026 FCS National Championship delivered a dramatic conclusion to an unforgettable season of college football, as the Montana State Bobcats triumphed in overtime over the Illinois State Redbirds, securing a 35-34 victory. The game, held at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee, will go down in history as the first FCS national title game to be decided in overtime, and it marked Montana State’s first championship since 1984. The win was the culmination of a roller-coaster season for the Bobcats, who fought through adversity, showcased grit and determination, and ultimately captured their first national title in more than four decades.
The championship game was a back-and-forth thriller, with both teams refusing to give an inch. Montana State, led by quarterback Justin Lamson, appeared poised to seize control early in the game. Lamson had a standout performance, both through the air and on the ground, throwing for two touchdowns and rushing for two more. His leadership in the clutch moments was instrumental in the Bobcats’ victory, keeping them in the game when it seemed the Redbirds might pull away. Lamson’s dynamic ability to extend plays with his legs and make critical throws under pressure proved to be a deciding factor in the game.
While Lamson shined for the Bobcats, Illinois State was equally impressive, especially their quarterback, Tommy Rittenhouse, who threw for over 300 yards and four touchdowns. Rittenhouse’s pinpoint passing and ability to respond to Montana State’s scoring drives were key in keeping the game competitive. Wide receiver Dylan Lord was also a standout for the Redbirds, hauling in several key receptions, including a crucial touchdown late in the third quarter that helped Illinois State erase a 14-point deficit and stay alive in the contest.
The back-and-forth nature of the game reached its apex in the final moments of regulation. Montana State had built a 28-14 lead late in the third quarter, thanks to explosive plays and solid defense. But Illinois State, not to be outdone, came roaring back. Behind Rittenhouse’s leadership, the Redbirds scored 14 unanswered points, tying the game at 28-28 with just under five minutes remaining. The Bobcats had a chance to win it in regulation, but a blocked field goal attempt with under a minute to play sent the game into overtime.
Overtime would provide the dramatic conclusion that fans had been hoping for. Illinois State won the toss and received the ball first. The Redbirds quickly marched down the field, with Rittenhouse connecting on a key third-down throw to set up a touchdown. With their extra point attempt successful, Illinois State seemed poised to take the title, leading 34-28. However, Montana State would get its chance in overtime, needing a touchdown to force a second overtime period and an extra point to win the game.
The Bobcats’ offense took the field, determined to finish what they had started. On a crucial fourth-and-10 play, Lamson connected with wide receiver Taco Dowler, who made an incredible catch and sprinted into the end zone for the go-ahead touchdown. The crowd erupted in jubilation as the Bobcats completed the decisive drive. Kicker Myles Sansted calmly stepped up to convert the extra point, sealing the victory for Montana State.
The game’s intensity was felt in every corner of FirstBank Stadium, as over 24,000 fans witnessed one of the most exciting and hard-fought FCS championship games in recent memory. The atmosphere was electric, with both fan bases fully invested in every play, and the championship trophy was hard-earned by the Bobcats. For Montana State, the victory was particularly sweet after decades of near-misses and heartbreaking defeats in previous national title games. The win capped an exceptional season for the Bobcats, who finished the year with a 14-2 record and proved themselves to be one of the most well-rounded and resilient teams in the nation.
For Illinois State, the loss was heartbreaking but did not take away from the incredible journey the Redbirds had made to reach the title game. Illinois State, an unseeded team, had stunned the FCS world with a series of road victories over ranked opponents, and their run to the national championship game was one of the most remarkable postseason stories in recent memory. Though they fell short, Illinois State’s performance in the title game demonstrated the depth of talent in the FCS and their ability to compete at the highest level.
This game also marked an important milestone for the Big Sky Conference, as Montana State’s victory was the first time a team from the conference had defeated a Missouri Valley Football Conference team in an FCS championship game. This achievement highlighted the increasing competitiveness of the FCS and served as a reminder that the championship is wide open, with any program capable of capturing the title.
For Montana State, the win was the culmination of years of hard work, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence. Head coach Brent Vigen, in his fifth season with the Bobcats, had finally achieved the pinnacle of success in college football. His leadership and ability to rally his team in key moments throughout the season played a huge role in bringing the championship back to Bozeman, Montana, for the first time in 41 years. The team’s journey to the title was one of teamwork, sacrifice, and resilience, and the victory was a reflection of the belief the Bobcats had in each other, as well as the support of their loyal fan base.
As the celebrations continued in Bozeman and across the state of Montana, the Bobcats’ victory became a defining moment in the program’s history. The 2026 FCS National Championship will be remembered not only for its dramatic finish but for the heart and determination that both teams displayed throughout the contest. Montana State’s triumph in this overtime thriller will go down as one of the greatest games in the history of the FCS and a testament to the unyielding spirit of college football.
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