A Game for the History Books: Montana State Wins FCS Title in OT, 35-34

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In what will be remembered as the greatest finale in the history of the subdivision, the Montana State Bobcats ended a 41-year championship drought by defeating the Illinois State Redbirds in a 35–34 overtime thriller at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville.

In the first-ever overtime game in the 48-year history of the FCS Championship, the Bobcats secured their first national title since 1984 in front of a raucous, sell-out crowd of 24,105, the largest crowd to see this game since 1996.

It was a beautiful day for football in Nashville, TN. Skies were clear and sunny, 65 degrees. All weekend long, you saw many fans from both schools crowding the streets of downtown.

The Feature: 41 Years in the Making

A Tale of Two Halves

The game began as a masterclass in efficiency for Montana State. Quarterback Justin Lamson—later named the game’s Most Outstanding Player—orchestrated two long scoring drives in the first half, punching both in himself on the ground to give MSU an early 14–0 lead. Despite a late second-quarter score by the Redbirds, the Bobcats responded with a 33-yard “dagger” pass to Dane Steel with just 18 seconds left in the half, heading into the locker room with a commanding 21–7 lead.

The Second Half Surge

However, the second half belonged to the Redbirds’ resilience. Illinois State dominated time of possession (nearly 40 minutes total) and clawed back into the game. After falling behind 28–14 in the third quarter, ISU quarterback Tommy Rittenhouse led two clinical fourth-quarter drives, finding Dylan Lord for the game-tying touchdown with just over five minutes remaining in regulation.

The Special Teams Lifeline

With 1:03 left in regulation, Illinois State was on the verge of a historic upset, lining up for a 38-yard field goal to take the lead. But in a moment that shifted the energy of the entire stadium, Montana State’s Jhase McMillan broke through the line and batted down the attempt, sending the game into a frantic overtime period tied at 28.

The Overtime Miracle

Illinois State took the ball first in the extra period and scored in just two plays, as Rittenhouse found Lord again for a 10-yard score. But the “Nashville Curse” for kickers continued; Hunter Parsons swatted down the Redbirds’ extra-point attempt, leaving the door open for the Bobcats with the score at 34–28.

Montana State’s ensuing drive nearly stalled. Facing a 4th-and-10 from the 14-yard line, the Bobcats’ season came down to one play. Lamson dropped back, escaped a heavy Redbird rush, and lofted a “rainbow” pass to the back-left corner of the end zone. Taco Dowler, who had been a thorn in ISU’s side all night, leaped over two defenders to snag the ball for the touchdown.

TACO DOWLER TOUCHDOWN 🚨🚨🚨

Lamson connects with Dowler in the end zone for an overtime @MSUBobcats_FB touchdown. #FCSChampionship x 🎥 ESPN pic.twitter.com/gBdNnha0PR

— NCAA FCS Football (@NCAA_FCS) January 6, 2026

Kicker Myles Sansted, with the weight of 41 years of Montana State history on his shoulders, split the uprights for the extra point to seal the 35–34 victory.

Top Performers

Player	Team	Stat Line
Justin Lamson (QB)	Montana State	18/27, 280 Yds, 2 Pass TD, 2 Rush TD
Taco Dowler (WR)	Montana State	8 Rec, 111 Yds, 2 Total TD (including the winner)
Tommy Rittenhouse (QB)	Illinois State	33/46, 311 Yds, 4 TD
Dylan Lord (WR)	Illinois State	13 Rec, 161 Yds, 2 TD
Victor Dawson (RB)	Illinois State	29 Car, 126 Yds

Historical Significance

- The Drought Ends: This is Montana State’s first national title since 1984.
- The “Legacy” Number: The Bobcats won in their 41st year since their last title, a poetic nod to their “No. 41 Legacy” tradition.
- Vigen’s Validation: Head coach Brent Vigen finally cleared the final hurdle after leading the Bobcats to deep playoff runs in three of the last five seasons.