On January 5th, 2026, the Montana State Bobcats captured their first national championship since 1984 in an overtime thriller. In a nail-biting finish, the Bobcats defeated the Illinois State Redbirds by a final score of 35-34. Two crucial blocked kicks played a pivotal role in Montana State’s historic victory in the FCS championship. Hunter Parsons blocked an extra-point attempt after the Redbirds took the lead in overtime, giving the Bobcats a chance to respond. In a game that felt straight out of a cinematic script, Montana State answered with a decisive drive. Quarterback Justin Lamson, under pressure, threw a pass off his back foot to star wideout Taco Dowler for a touchdown on fourth and 10. Kicker Myles Sansted then made the extra point, sealing the Bobcats’ place in FCS history.
