Fcs Football Central

Live Updates: Montana State vs. Illinois State In The FCS National Championship

Live updates from the 2025 FCS Football national championship game between Montana State and Illinois State
Timothy Rosario|
Montana State wide receiver Taco Dowler (14) during the first half of the FCS National Championship game
Montana State wide receiver Taco Dowler (14) during the first half of the FCS National Championship game | Mark Zaleski / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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Montana State BobcatsIllinois State Redbirds

Stay tuned for all live updates and in-game analysis as Montana State battles Illinois State in the 2026 FCS National Championship game.

As always, there will be live game notes, analysis, and breakdown of the game as it happens. Keep the refresh button going as updates will be coming in quickly and consistently.

It's a beautiful night for college football and to crown the 2026 FCS National Champion here in Nashville. Weather tonight is 54 degrees with very little wind.

Fans have shown out well here at FirstBank Stadium at Vanderbilt University. The stadium looks to be about 90% full. The fan support looks about 70/30 in favor of the Bobcats.

We're almost ready to go in Nashville as they are doing the coin toss. Will the Bobcats secure the long awaited National Championship or will Illinois State complete an unprecedented run?

Montana State wins the toss and chooses to defer.

First Quarter

Illinois State received the kickoff and returned the ball to the 28 yard line. First and Ten for Tommy Rittenhouse and Company!

On second and 7 Victor Dawson gets a nice 10 yard run for a first down. The Redbirds will need a lot more of that tonight

MSU is using their Safeties to get out really wide over Daniel Sobkowicz and its hurting their run fits. Another first down run for Victor Dawson. ISU in Bobcat territory.

After an incoompletion the first 3rd down of the game! On 3rd and 9 from the MSU 37 ISU has a false start and now faces a 3rd and 14. Rittenhouse's pass is incomplete and ISU now has to punt. Nice stand by the Bobcat D.

A nice punt by ISU goes out of bounds at the 10 yard line. Now it is Justin Lamson and Companies turn to try and drive the length of the field.

MSU comes out very aggresive and Lamson completes his first two passes for 23 yards.

Adam Jones takes MSU's first run for 17 yards. ISU's defense then responds with a Mason Kaplan sack and a loss 13 only for Taco Dowler to break a tackle and go for 26 yards! What a start!!

Lamson breaks the pocket and finds Dowler again! He floats the ball over two defenders and MSU has the ball 1st and goal on the ISU 5!

ISU has had the best redzone defense all postseason and forces a 3rd and goal from the 3. They haven't faced Justin Lamson yet though who keeps the ball on a read and beats the edge defender to the pylon! 7-0 Bobcats with 4:51 left in the first quarter.

Montana State averaged 10 yards per play on that 90 yard drive and Illinois State failed to hold them in the redzone. Not a good formula for the Redbirds.

After 1 first down ISU has a huge 3rd and 4 coming from their own 42.

Rittenhouse targets Sobkowicz but the pass is incomplete. Both players are furious and wanted a PI penalty. The contact was minimal though.

ISU gets bailed out as the punter takes a hit and the 5 yard penalty gets them a first down!

Rittenhouse has all day to throw and finds Sobkowitz for a 20 yard gain to the MSU 33. It looked like the referees missed a facemask and an ISU OL retaliated with unecessary roughness penalty. ISU gets hit with a 15 yard penalty that eventually led to a 3rd and 10. The Bobcats called a timeout before the massive play on the MSU 33. There are 18 seconds left in the First Quarter.

Rittenhouse throws it deep to Daniel Sobkowicz, who hauls it in near the goal line, but Sobkowitz pushed off the receiver and gets flagged for Offensive Pass Interference. It will be 3rd and 25 from the MSU 48-yard line to start the 2nd Quarter.

Second Quarter

The only solace ISU will find right now is that the Redbirds have held the ball for over 10 minutes of the first 15. They need to keep the MSU offense off the field but it won't matter much if they can't find some points of their own.

MSU takes over on their own 20 after a touchback from the punt. The drive starts with a false start.

Justin Lamson immediately responds with a 33 yard pass to Chris Long over the middle. La'Shavion Brown came in with a big hit on the tackle and was called for Targeting. The call was confirmed and the All Conference Safety's night is over. 1st and 10 MSU from the ISU 37

On 3rd and 2 MSU has another false start penalty setting up a huge 3rd and 7. ISU needs this stop.

Lamson hits Taco Dowler on a quick out right at the sticks and converts. Too easy for the Bobcats.

Lamson pounds in another TD run. He's been incredible tonight. Lamson is 8 for 8 for 143 yards through the air and also has two rushing touchdowns. Total domination from the Bobcats who now lead 14-0 with 10:49 left in the 2nd Quarter.

Lamson is averaging nearly 18 yards per pass attempt. He's carving this Redbird defense.

ISU starts their next drive on the 28. They need six points on this drive.

Adam Jones reportedly had to head to the locker room with an injury.

ISU gets a nice pass to Dylan Lord and then a speed option run from Victor Dawson to set up 1st and 10 from the MSU 47. ISU made it into MSU territory on both of their previous drives but ended up punting both times.

On a huge 3rd and 5 from the MSU 42, Rittenhouse had Dylan Lord open down the middle of the field and overthrew him by 5 yards. Blown opportunity for the Redbirds who now have to punt again. Caden Dowler appeared to reinjure his shoulder on the play. 1st and 10 MSU from the 20 with 7:37 left to go in the half.

Adam Jones is back in the game and gets the drive started with a 12 yard carry. Next Lamson hits Taco Dowler for another first down. The Bobcats are already on the 42 yard line.

Justin Lamson finally throws and incomplete pass after his ball is tipped after completing 9 in a row.

Finally the ISU defense steps up with a big play! There looked like a miscommunication in the backfield and Tye Niekamp takes advantage with a blitz taking Lamson down for a 5 yard loss on third down. MSU has their first punt of the game and the Redbirds will take over on their 20 yard line with 5:17 left in the half. They need a touchdown now!

A nice RPO to Dylan Lord and a Personal Foul later and ISU already has the ball on the 50 yard line.

Rittenhouse hits Dylan Lord again (who now has 6 catches already), and then Victor Dawson has a hard-fought run to set up ISU at the 23-yard line. They need to capitalize with 6!

After a tipped pass set up a 3rd and 7 from the 20, Rittehouse find Dawson in the flat to set up 4th and 2. That takes us to the 2 minute timeout and a decision for Brock Spack.

The offense stays on the field for ISU and motions into a Quads formation. Rittenhouse finds Lord for the first down and sets up first and goal.

Rittenhouse has a ton of time on 2nd and goal and was able to step up and find Tight End Scotty Presson breaking wide open across the middle. Huge response from ISU before the end of the half! 14-7 in Nashville with 54 seconds left in the half

MSU has an opportunity to steal some points with 54 seconds left as they get the ball to start the Second Half.

JUSTIN LAMSON! The Bobcat quarterback is on absolute fire and only needs 36 seconds and 3 passes to take the Bobcats 80 yards for another Touchdown. 21-7 Bobcats.

Dane Steele had an incredible effort on the 33 yard touchdown as he doged tacklers, kept his balance and leapt into the endzone. What a response from MSU to crush the momentum ISU had gained.

ISU decides to run out the clock and go into halftime down 21-7. The crowd erupts as MSU has been dominant in this first half and on the precipice of their first championship in 41 years.

Justin Lamson has been a star tonight. The Bobcat quarterback is 12 of 13 for 228 yards (17.5 YPA?!?!) to go along with 2 rushing TDs. ISU has a lot of work to do to in the second half.

The official Attendance for tonight is reported at 24,105, the largest attendance since 1996, and the 7th largest ever.

3rd Quarter

The 3rd quarter is about to get underway with MSU receiving the ball up 21-7. 30 minutes of football left to crown a champion!

The Bobcats quickly get a first down after a reception and then run by Adam Jones.

On a big 3rd and 5 from midfield, ISU decided to bring the house and it was effective. They got in Lamson's face and effected the throw as well as forced a holding call. The Bobcats will be punting. We've been syaing all night but ISU needs to respond.

ISU finds some success on the ground off the edge again. Dawson bounces the first down run for 21 yards to start the drive.

Tommy Rittenhouse is enjoying a lot of time to throw. And like always MSU only rushes 4. He takes advantage of it to get another first down into Bobcat territory.

ISU converts another 3rd down and has the ball 1st and 10 on the 34. The Redbirds are following the formula well and holding onto the ball for a long time. They need it to end in points though.

Rittenhouse breaks the pocket and looks for Sobkowitz headed toward the endzone. The ball sails incomplete but a PI call against MSU gives the Redbirds the ball at the 18.

Rittenhouse misses Dylan Lord in the endzone again!! Sets up third and 9 from the 17.

This time Rittenhouse throws a strike into a tight window to Luke Mailander. First and goal from the 5.

Rittenhouse tries to sneak in on a speed option but takes a big hit and is short. #rd and goal from the 1.

Rittenhouse pulls the ball on an RPO looking for Sobkowitz. The ball is very short but Seth Johnson unfortunately runs into him comitting the PI.

MSU stuffs Victor Dawson twice from the 1 yard line but on the last attempt he appears to fumble the ball to be recoved by an ISU OL in the endzone for a Touchdown. The play is under review. It looks like this will be reversed.

The Call is Upheld! Touchdown Redbirds who despite being outplayed for long stretches of this game are only down 1 score. The Redbirds wouldn't have it any other way. 21-14 Bobcats lead in Nashville with 5:32 left in the 3rd Quarter.

After a nice return by Jabez Woods, The Bobcats will start their drive at the 36 yard line.

ISU brings an all out blitz on 3rd and ten and the Bobcat protection picks it up excellently! Lamson uses the time to step up in the pocket and create a 21 yard strike to Jabez Woods.

Montana State goes to the Power Read Option with Taco Dowler and Lamson. Lamson gave the ball and Taco Dowler slithers and makes defenders miss as he dives into the endzone. 28-14 Montana State as they answer Illinois State again. 3:18 left in the third quarter.

MSU finally brings a blitz and Tommy Rittenhouse hangs in and makes them pay with a completion to Tight End Javon Charles.

A couple nice underneath plays from the ISU offense and they continue to methodically move the ball on this Montana State defense. ISU has the ball 2nd and 4 on the Montana State 40 yard line as the 3rd Quarter comes to an end.

4th Quarter

15 minutes to crown a champion! Here we go. Buckle up.

After Victor Dawson is stuffed for a no gain, it sets up a 3rd and 3 on the 29. Huge Play!

Rittenhouse finds Dawson in the flat again, Dawson makes a man miss and just gets the first down.

A Hands to the Face penalty on Zac Crews gives ISU a first down inside the 15. 9 penalties on MSU tonight.

Another big 3rd and short play coming! Can ISU run at this front or will they need to go to the air?

They hand it to Dawson annd he is stopped just short again! 4th down.

The Redbirds have some confusion on offense and have to burn a timeout ahead of this crucial 4th and 1 from the 4 yard line. There is 10:17 left in the game.

4th and 1 and who do the Redbirds turn to?!?! Daniel Sobkowicz of course! Sobkowicz hauls in the fade and keeps the Redbirds' title hopes alive. MSU 28 ISU 21 with 10 minutes and 13 seconds left in the season.

After yet another penalty, Montana State has the ball 3rd and 7. Huge Play!

Another dead ball penalty on Montana State! Now it's 3rd and 12. If the Redbirds get a stop they would get the ball back with a chance to tie the game for the first time in a long time.

ISU goes all out blitz again but this time they get home and effect the throw!! 4th down and Montana State must punt it away.

A bad punt goes out at the 40 yard line. Is MSU starting to get a little nervous in the face of yet another failure? Tommy Rittenhouse and company have 60 yards to go tie this game. 9 minutes and 2 seconds left.

Tommy Rittehouse continues to have all day to throw the ball

ISU will hope they can take this clock as far down as they can and end with 7 points

Rittenhouse stands in a clean pocket and finds Dylan Lord on a corner route 16 yards down the field. 1st and 10 from the MSU 26

TOUCHDOWN! Another 3rd down conversion!!! Tommy Rittenhouse finds Dylan Lord once again and this game is tied with 5 minutes to go!!! What a night in Nashville! Can the Bobcats respond????

Another pre snap penalty from Montana State!! 2nd and 14 here we go

It should've been picked!!! Lamson sails a ball on 3rd and 13 and the ISU defender dropped the pass. Now the Redbirds will get the ball back with plenty of time to go win this game. Bobcats look completely rattled as the Redbird fans take over the stadium.

Dylan Lord again!!!!!! Rittenhouse finds him across the middle yet again for a 33 yard gain to the 30 as we get to the 2 minute timeout. Will ISU just run this time out and win the game on a walkoff??

Victor Dawson starts us off with a 4 yard run. MSU immediately calls a timeout to try and give themselves a shot to respond.

This time Dawson only gets a yard. MSU calls another timeout and we have 3rd and 5 coming!! You gotta think they put this in Rittenhouse's hands.

Rittenhouse does get the call but on a zone read. He dives forward but comes up short. ISU doens't look ready to kick so they call a timeout to think it over.

It would be a 37 yard FG from here. ISU decides to try and take the lead.

The Field Goal is Blocked!!!!! MSU picks up the ball and advances it to the ISU 45! 1st and 10 with 57 seconds to go! Incredible scenes!!!!!!

Lamson completes an 8 yard pass to Steele and then does the worst thing he could do and takes a sack!!! MSU is forced to take their last timeout with 28 seconds left. It will be 3rd and 8 from the 43 yard line.

Montana State has no idea what they are doing pre-snap, and the ball goes way behind Lamson! Lamson has to fall on it, and MSU will have to punt. What a choke!!! Are we headed to Overtime in Nashville?????

The Punt is excellent, Kasper fields it at the 10 yard line and is tackled immediatley. Have to think ISU will run this out

Free football in Nashville!!! Could you ask for a better championship!!

Illinois State gets the ball first. Here we go

Rittenhouse has all day to throw and finds a receiver over the middle for a first down. What else is new.

The next play Dylan Lord finds the End Zone again!!!!!! Touchdown ISU!!!

What!?!?!? The Extra Point is blocked too!!!!! What is going on?? All Montana State needs to win their first championship in 41 years is a touchdown and Extra Point. What could go wrong??

Julius Davis bruises his way to a 11 yard first down run.

Another pre snap penalty!! 2nd and 11 for Montana State

ISU brings an all out blitz again. Lamson is protected but he's a little off and ISU nearly picks it off. 4th and 10 with the game on the line!!!!

LAMSON HITS DOWLER!!!! Pressure in his face and fading away Lamson hits Taco Dowler in the corner of the end zone! Wow! All they need is the extra point

It's good! 35 to 34 in OT!!! Montana State wins its first Championship in 41 years in incredibly dramatic fashion! What a game!!

Thank you for joining us on an incredible journey to crowning an FCS National Champion. It wasn't pretty, but the Bobcats won't care as celebrations reign in Nashville. What a game and what a season. 35-34 Bobcats.

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Timothy Rosario
TIMOTHY ROSARIO

Timothy Rosario is a national contributor for FCS Football Central on SI. He previously served as an assistant coach at Sparks High School and North Valleys High School, focusing on linebackers and defensive backs. Timothy graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno in 2019.

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