41 years later, Montana State is back on top

Earlier this month, MSU won the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) National Championship, bringing a title back to Bozeman for the first time in 41 years. 

2025 began on a down note for the ‘Cats. The historic 15-0 season was capped off with a gut-wrenching loss to the North Dakota State (NDSU) Bison in early January, leaving fans heartbroken. 

That game also ended the electric career of MSU’s legendary 2024 senior class, anchored by Tommy Mellott, Brody Grebe and nearly two dozen others. Despite the dominant season falling just short, many Bobcat fans were left worried as to what the future might have in store. 

Before this season began, things seemed uncertain. A starting quarterback wasn’t named until a couple of weeks before the Bobcats’ opening game, and fans were unsure if the team would really have a shot at the national title. Those concerns appeared justified in the first two weeks when the ‘Cats lost to Oregon and South Dakota State.

According to Head Coach Brent Vigen, however, the team remained focused on the process of building towards a championship rather than short-term outcomes. 

“We didn't let those first two games ultimately define us, nor did we let any of those wins define us along the way, either,” he said.

A subsequent 41-7 win over the San Diego Toreros gave fans hope for a season that felt doomed from the start. Quarterback (QB) Justin Lamson had his breakout game, throwing for 293 yards and four total touchdowns on only three incompletions. Among a sea of impressive individual performances, a young star was clearly emerging. 

Wide receiver Taco Dowler, who had already made a name for himself in the return game, also put on a show as a pass catcher. Against the Toreros, Dowler caught eight passes for 111 yards and two touchdowns.

From this point on, every game came up ‘Cats. MSU won nine straight matchups by at least 17 points, the amount typically considered a blowout. This earned them a number three ranking late in the season, but trouble was brewing in Missoula. 

The University of Montana (UM) was feasting on an impressive season of its own. Entering the Brawl of the Wild, the 11-0 Griz were ranked second just behind NDSU. 

However, at the height of an already impressive season, the Bobcats waltzed into Missoula and beat the Griz 31-28 to win the Big Sky Conference, finishing the regular season 10-2. 

Safety Caden Dowler, who in the weeks before the matchup had three interceptions in two games, continued his streak against the Griz. Dowler picked off UM QB Keali’i Ah Yat, flipping the game’s momentum for the ‘Cats. 

But this victory was only the beginning. The Bobcats had earned a first-round bye and home-field advantage in the upcoming playoffs.

In the second round of the playoffs, MSU faced Yale. In a shockingly low-scoring game, the Bobcats beat the Bulldogs 21-13 to move on to the next round. 

The Bobcats proceeded to blow past Stephen F. Austin, setting up a game dubbed the Super Brawl, where the Grizzlies awaited a high-stakes rematch. A win would mean revenge, bragging rights and — most importantly — a trip to Nashville, the home of the 2025 FCS National Championship.

The first three quarters of the game were competitive, but an 87-yard touchdown pass from Lamson to Taco Dowler triggered an avalanche. The Bobcats outscored the Grizzlies 21-0 in the fourth to win 48-23. 

With that, the championship matchup was set — the powerhouse second-ranked Bobcats versus a Cinderella team, the unranked Illinois State (ISU) Redbirds.

MSU erupted to a 21-7 first-half lead and appeared in good shape coming out of halftime, but the Redbirds outscored the Bobcats 21-7 in the second half. 

Of course, a game of this nature had to go into overtime. A blocked field goal by the ‘Cats with 50 seconds left in the fourth resulted in a tied game after regulation.

The Redbirds got the ball first and scored a touchdown on the second play. For the second straight ISU possession, the MSU defense blocked a kick, and the score remained 34-28. 

The game ended with the type of nail-biting finish pulled straight from the movies. On fourth and 10 — with the national championship on the line — Lamson dropped back to pass. The Redbirds sent an all-out blitz, immediately pressuring Lamson and forcing a throw after two seconds. 

A miracle ball turned into a perfect dime to a wide-open Taco Dowler. The play set kicker Myles Sanstead up to hit the game-winning point after touchdown, and the Bobcats won their first national championship since 1984.

Even through the season’s twists and turns and the championship game’s dramatic moments, Vigen never doubted his team’s ability to win. 

According to him, the season was successful because the ‘Cats focused on the opportunity to improve, and didn’t dwell on last season’s loss. “This team was about conquering new things, and I think more about that than being motivated by what happened down in Frisco.

“I think it was just our opportunity to continue to get better that drove us more than how the last season ended,” he said.

Vigen said that in many ways, the credit should go to the players. “I think it's just a forward-thinking group that trusted one another and ultimately really loved one another,” he said.

After the Bobcats’ historic win, Bozeman held a parade on Jan. 17 to commemorate the storybook season. Bozeman has always been an active city, but if you don’t think it’s been more alive since the ‘Cats won FCS gold, you’re living under a rock.

“It was historical and broke the slump we were in,” said redshirt freshman Charlie Berkley. “It showed MSU’s potential.”

The parade featured players, coaches, the Spirit of the West and even the horses that lead the team onto the field at every home game. The route started and ended at Bobcat Stadium, where a ceremony was held to continue the celebrations. 

According to Vigen, community support allowed the team to set a new standard and continue building the program. “So many people have had an impact on us getting here, and it's certainly a win for everybody,” he said. “There's been a real hunger from our fan base, from our supporters, from our donors alike, to get to this point.”

As for the current state of the team, the Bobcats only had nine seniors this year, so expect a similar roster next season. 

According to Vigen, this season’s formula can be replicated next year to try and win another championship. He warned that nothing is guaranteed, even for premier teams.

“Being motivated by success and wanting it again, going in the weight room right now and just working hard every day starting tomorrow is what [we need] to do,” he said. “We aren't guaranteed anything.” 

This team has the ability to repeat as champions. Players such as Lamson, the Dowler twins and Adam Jones have all announced they will be returning next year. 

For now though, we’re going to celebrate this victory. 41 years is a long time to wait, which makes this national championship that much sweeter. My advice for Bobcat fans: get used to hearing “Mony Mony” for the next nine months. Until next season, Bobcat football.

To learn more about MSU football, visit https://msubobcats.com/sports/football.