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3w ago

Montana State Wins FCS Title in Overtime, Ends 42-Year Drought

Special-teams swings and a fourth-down touchdown punctuated a finish that made QB Justin Lamson the game’s MVP.

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Running back Nate Sheppard #20 of the Duke Blue Devils escapes a diving tackle attempt from defensive back Montana Warren #7 of the Arizona State Sun Devils during the second half of the Tony The Tiger Sun Bowl game at Sun Bowl Stadium on December 31, 2025 in El Paso, Texas. The Blue Devils defeated the Sun Devils 42-39. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – JANUARY 5: Eddie Kasper #13 of the Illinois State Redbirds rushes with the ball against the Montana State Bobcats during the Division I FCS Football Championship held at FirstBank Stadium on January 5, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Justin Tafoya/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)
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Overview

  • Montana State beat Illinois State 35-34 in the first overtime in FCS championship history at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, with an announced crowd of 24,105.
  • Jhase McMillan blocked Illinois State’s 38-yard field goal in the final minute of regulation, and Hunter Parsons blocked the Redbirds’ overtime extra point before Myles Sansted made the decisive PAT.
  • On fourth-and-10 in overtime, Justin Lamson connected with Taco Dowler for a 14-yard touchdown to pull even and set up the winning kick.
  • Lamson earned MVP honors with 280 passing yards and two touchdowns plus two rushing scores; Illinois State’s Tommy Rittenhouse threw for 311 yards and four TDs, with Dylan Lord catching 13 passes for 161 yards and two scores.
  • The Bobcats closed a 14-game win streak to capture their first national championship since 1984 after recent runner-up finishes, while unseeded Illinois State’s unprecedented four-road-win playoff run, including an upset of No. 1 North Dakota State, fell one point short.