The 2026 Montana State Bobcats football schedule is set, and the Bobcats enter the year as one of the premier programs in the FCS after their recent run to the national championship game. Montana State plays out of the Big Sky, and the 2026 slate mixes an FBS road trip to Nevada with a full nine-game conference schedule that ends with the Brawl of the Wild against rival Montana in Bobcat Stadium. Below is the complete schedule, a free printable one-pager, and how the Bobcats season sets up.
- Conference: Big Sky (FCS)
- Home stadium: Bobcat Stadium, Bozeman, MT
- Regular season: 12 games (six home games and six on the road)
- Conference games: 9
- Opener: August 29 at Utah Tech
- Finale: November 21 vs Montana
- Last updated: July 30, 2026
2026 Montana State Football Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Site | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 29 | at Utah Tech | Away | Big Sky |
| Sept 5 | vs Butler | Home | Non-conference |
| Sept 12 | at Nevada | Away | Non-conference |
| Sept 19 | vs Central Connecticut | Home | Non-conference |
| Sept 26 | vs Northern Arizona | Home | Big Sky |
| Oct 2 | at Idaho | Away | Big Sky |
| Oct 10 | Bye Week | ||
| Oct 17 | at Eastern Washington | Away | Big Sky |
| Oct 24 | vs Weber State | Home | Big Sky |
| Oct 31 | vs Cal Poly | Home | Big Sky |
| Nov 7 | at Idaho State | Away | Big Sky |
| Nov 14 | at Northern Colorado | Away | Big Sky |
| Nov 21 | vs Montana | Home | Big Sky |
The regular season closes November 21 at home against Montana in the Brawl of the Wild, the biggest rivalry game in the FCS, with Montana State hosting the 2026 edition in Bozeman. The Bobcats open Big Sky play right away on August 29 at Utah Tech.
How the 2026 Montana State Season Sets Up
Montana State plays a 12-game regular season: three non-conference dates, including a Week 3 trip to FBS Nevada, wrapped around a nine-game Big Sky schedule. The Bobcats get six home games in Bobcat Stadium, with a bye October 10 before the stretch run through Eastern Washington, Idaho State, and Northern Colorado.
Montana State and the FCS Playoffs
The Big Sky champion earns an automatic bid into the 24-team FCS playoff, and Montana State is usually in the at-large mix as well. You can see the full conference picture on our 2026 Big Sky football schedule page and print the postseason field with the 2026 FCS playoff bracket.
How to Watch Montana State in 2026
Montana State games are carried across ESPN platforms, including ESPN+, along with Big Sky conference streaming. Exact network and kickoff time for each game are confirmed in the weeks before kickoff, so bookmark this page and check back as the matchups firm up.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Montana State open the 2026 season?
Montana State opens the 2026 season August 29 at Utah Tech. The regular season runs through the finale November 21 vs Montana.
How many games do the Bobcats play in 2026?
Montana State plays a 12-game regular season in 2026: six home games and six on the road, including 9 Big Sky conference games, ahead of the FCS playoffs.
Is there a printable Montana State schedule?
Yes. A free printable PDF of the full 2026 Montana State schedule is available above, with every date, opponent, and a blank column to fill in results.
How can I watch Montana State football in 2026?
Montana State games are carried across ESPN platforms, including ESPN+, plus the Big Sky streaming outlets. Exact network and kickoff time for each game are confirmed closer to gameday.
More 2026 FCS Coverage
Explore more: the 2026 Big Sky football schedule and standings, the 2026 FCS football schedule and conference guide, and the printable 2026 FCS playoff bracket.
