Summary
The Illinois State Redbirds and the Montana State Bobcats will face off in the FCS national championship game. The game will take place in Nashville on January 5, 2026, and will be broadcast on ESPN. This marks Illinois State's first appearance since 2014, while Montana State is returning for the second consecutive year.
Key Facts
- The game is on Monday, January 5, 2026, at 7:30 PM ET in Nashville.
- Illinois State Redbirds have a record of 12–4 and are unseeded.
- Montana State Bobcats have a 13–2 record and have won 13 straight games.
- This is the first meeting between Illinois State and Montana State in the championship.
- Illinois State's Tommy Rittenhouse has 3,257 passing yards, 36 touchdowns, and has run for seven scores.
- Montana State's Justin Lamson has 2,892 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and also has 14 rushing scores.
- The game will be broadcast on ESPN and ESPN Deportes.
- Viewers can live stream the game on Fubo, with a free trial available.
