FCS National Championship: Illinois state vs. Montana State
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The Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) national championship game is set to take place on Monday night at Vanderbilt’s FirstBank Stadium in Nashville,tennessee. Illinois State and Montana State will compete for the title, marking their first-ever meeting [[1]. This matchup highlights the culmination of a season of dedication and competition within the FCS, the highest level of college football with an NCAA-sanctioned national championship.
A Change of Venue
This year’s championship game is a departure from its usual location at Toyota stadium in Frisco,Texas,due to a multiyear renovation project underway there. The championship was last held in Tennessee in 2009, in Chattanooga.
Illinois State Redbirds: An Unexpected Run
Illinois State (12-4) entered the 24-team playoff field as one of the last four teams selected, defying expectations with a remarkable run of four consecutive road victories to reach the championship game. The Redbirds have demonstrated consistent offensive performance, led by quarterback Tommy Rittenhouse, who has completed 64% of his passes for 3,257 yards, 36 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, adding seven rushing touchdowns to his tally. senior wide receiver Daniel Sobkowicz has been a key target, with 78 receptions for 1,089 yards and 18 touchdowns – seven of which were scored during the playoffs.
Montana State Bobcats: Seeking Their First title
Montana State (13-2) enters the game as the No. 2 seed, boasting a strong running game and a steadfast spirit. This marks their third championship appearance in the last five years, but they are still seeking their first FCS title. Last year, the Bobcats suffered a narrow three-point loss to north Dakota State in a hard-fought contest. Junior quarterback Justin Lamson has been efficient, completing 72% of his passes for 2,892 yards and 24 touchdowns with only three interceptions.He is also a significant threat on the ground, rushing for 704 yards and 14 touchdowns.Senior running back Julius Davis leads the Bobcats’ rushing attack with 1,100 yards (6.7 yards per carry), while Adam Jones complements him with 1,047 yards (6.2 yards per carry) and 15 touchdowns,plus two receiving touchdowns.
Tradition and Rivalry
Both teams bring unique traditions to the championship stage. Montana State’s “Gold Rush,” which began as a promotional T-shirt campaign, has evolved into a signature uniform worn by fans. Illinois state’s “Redbirds” nickname,adopted in 1923,was chosen to distinguish the university from other teams with the “Cardinals” moniker. Before each game,the Redbirds touch the “Battle bird” sculpture,a tradition dating back to 2000.
Championship History
Montana State is aiming to secure its first FCS title since 1984, while Illinois State is seeking its first championship in program history, having reached the national championship game once before in 2014.
FCS Playoff Results
First Round
- No. 9 Rhode Island 27, Central Connecticut State 19
- No. 12 Villanova 52, Harvard 7
- Yale 43, No. 15 Youngstown St.42
- Illinois State 21, No. 16 southeastern Louisiana 3
- North Dakota 31, No.13 Tennessee Tech 6
- No. 10 abilene Christian 38, Lamar 20
- No. 11 South Dakota 38, Drake 17
- No. 14 south Dakota State 41, New Hampshire 3
Second Round
- no.12 Villanova 14, No. 5 Lehigh 7
- No. 11 South Dakota 47, No. 6 Mercer 0
- Illinois State 29, No. 1 North Dakota State 28
- No. 4 Tarleton State 31, north Dakota 13
- No. 2 Montana State 21, Yale 13
- No. 7 Stephen F.Austin 41, No.10 Abilene christian 34
- No. 3 Montana 50, No. 14 South dakota State 29
- No. 8 UC Davis 47, No. 9 rhode Island 26
Quarterfinals
- No. 2 Montana State 44, No. 7 Stephen F. Austin 28
- No. 12 Villanova 26, No. 4 Tarleton State 21
- No. 3 Montana 52,No. 11 South Dakota 22
- Illinois State 42, No. 8 UC Davis 31
Semifinals
- No. 2 Montana State 48, No. 3 Montana 23
- Illinois State 30, No. 12 villanova 14
Final
- Illinois State vs. No. 2 Montana State
Date: January 6, 2026
Location: Vanderbilt’s FirstBank Stadium, Nashville, Tennessee
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