State of Montana Newsroom
Gov. Gianforte Celebrates National Champion Montana State Bobcat Football Team at State Capitol
HELENA, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte today welcomed the Montana State University (MSU) Bobcat football team to the State Capitol to celebrate their national championship victory.
“Montana is so proud of the Bobcats for their incredible season – I speak on behalf of all fans when I say, we lost a few years off our life watching that championship game,” Gov. Gianforte said. “This Bobcat team exemplified what it means to compete with heart and represent our state with pride. Their national championship is a testament to hard work, discipline, and a commitment to excellence.”
Gov. Gianforte hosting the MSU Bobcat football team at the State Capitol
The Bobcats concluded a historic 14-2 season by winning the 2025-2026 NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) Championship with a 35-34 overtime victory over Illinois State on January 5 in Nashville. The win represents the team’s first national championship title since 1984.
The governor’s celebration at the State Capitol included a message to the team and the signing of a proclamation to declare January 20, 2026, as Bobcat Day in Montana.
During the celebration, Head Coach Brent Vigen highlighted the importance of the Bobcat team representing the state, saying, “It’s very important to us that we represent the great state of Montana. We had 44 Montanans on this roster and beyond that, our guys that find their way to Bozeman, they really understand what this means for the state.”
Vigen concluded, “Being able to do what we did on the national stage and know how it important it is to the people of this state and Bobcat fans everywhere is a blessing to us. We appreciate this opportunity to come to Helena and see the capitol and for your support.”
View Gov. Gianforte’s proclamation here.
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