The Big Sky Conference has released its preseason coaches' and media polls for the 2026 football season, and the results leave little doubt about the favorite. Montana State, fresh off a historic campaign that included an unbeaten conference slate and a national championship, tops both the coaches' and media ballots.
Preseason dominance
The Bobcats collected 35 first‑place votes from the media and 11 from the league's head coaches, a clear indication of the respect they command. Their 2025 season featured an immaculate 8‑0 conference record, and they closed the year with a 14‑game winning streak that culminated in an overtime victory over Illinois State to capture the FCS National Championship.
Kickoff weekend in Spokane
The 2026 Big Sky Kickoff Weekend is scheduled for July 24‑27 in Spokane, Washington. The event will feature a series of announcements, including the Preseason All‑Conference Team and the Preseason Most Valuable Players, which will be revealed on Sunday, July 26. Media Day kicks off at 10:00 a.m. MT/9:00 a.m. PT, with live coverage streaming on ESPN+ and select Scripps Sports stations.
A championship legacy
Montana State's recent triumphs have cemented their status as the conference's flagship program. After finishing the 2025 regular season undefeated in Big Sky play, the team rode a 14‑game streak that ended with a dramatic overtime win over Illinois State, securing the FCS National Championship. The program has now swept both the coaches' and media preseason polls for two consecutive years.
Looking ahead
Fans can stay updated on the conference's developments through the Big Sky's official channels on X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. With the preseason accolades in hand and the kickoff weekend approaching, the Bobcats are poised to begin another season with high expectations and a championship pedigree to defend.