Overview
- Kickoff is 5:30 p.m. MT at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, with ESPN carrying the broadcast and streaming on the ESPN app and Fubo.
- Illinois State reached the final unseeded after four consecutive road playoff wins, including an upset of top-seeded defending champion North Dakota State.
- Montana State held a final walkthrough in Nashville that was opened to alumni from every era, bringing former players onto the field with the 2025 team.
- Players and coaches emphasized focus and brotherhood before the game, with senior defensive lineman Kenneth Eiden saying, "We're here to win a football game."
- The Bobcats are making a consecutive title-game appearance and their third trip in five seasons under head coach Brent Vigen.