The Big Sky Conference has released its preseason expectations for the 2026 football season, naming Montana State as the clear favorite in both the coaches' and media polls.
Preseason expectations
The Bobcats earned 35 first‑place votes from the media and 11 from the league’s head coaches, underscoring the overwhelming confidence in their program.
A championship pedigree
Montana State entered the conversation after a historic 2025 campaign that featured an unblemished 8‑0 conference record and culminated in an overtime victory over Illinois State, securing the FCS national championship.
That triumph marked the end of a 14‑game winning streak, the longest in school history, and cemented the Bobcats' status as back‑to‑back champions of the league.
Kickoff weekend
Excitement will spill over into the 2026 Big Sky Kickoff Weekend, scheduled for July 25‑27 in Spokane, Washington, where fans can expect a series of events and announcements leading up to the season.
All‑Conference team
On Sunday, July 26, the conference will reveal its Preseason All‑Conference Team and the Preseason Most Valuable Players, adding another layer of anticipation to the festivities.
Media Day
Media Day will kick off at 10:00 a.m. MT on Monday, July 27, with live coverage streaming on ESPN+ and on select Scripps Sports stations, giving viewers across the country a front‑row seat to the announcements.
Stay connected
Fans can stay updated through the conference’s social channels — X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube — where the latest news and behind‑the‑scenes content will be posted regularly.