Montana State wins first FCS national championship since 1984 after thrilling OT victory over Illinois State

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The Montana State Bobcats defeated the Illinois State Redbirds 35-34 in an overtime thriller to win the program's first FCS championship since 1984 on Monday night.

Last season, the Bobcats lost in the championship in a shootout. The season before, they lost in the quarterfinals after they had an extra point blocked.

This season had an inauspicious start, as the Bobcats lost their first two games. However, they rattled off 14 straight wins to capture the elusive national title.

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Montana State offensive lineman Titan Fleischmann celebrates after winning the FCS championship game in overtime against Illinois State in Nashville, Tennessee, on Jan. 5, 2026. (George Walker IV/AP Photo)

Montana State beat their in-state rivals, Montana, twice in a four-week span as they beat them in the semifinals.

Head coach Brent Vigen is already focused on next year, saying the team is building for more.

"To be able to clear that hurdle and know that yes, this ’25 group accomplished what hadn’t been done in a long time," Vigen said. "You know, we’re building for more."

The future looks bright for the Bobcats, as they had just nine seniors on their title-winning team.

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Montana State players celebrate after winning the FCS championship game against Illinois State in Nashville on Jan. 5, 2026. (George Walker IV/AP Photo)

The Bobcats jumped out to a 21-7 lead at halftime, and kept it a two-score game in the third quarter, leading 28-14, but the Redbirds stormed back.

Illinois State tied the game at 28-28