The 2026 Big Sky Kickoff Weekend is set to transform Spokane, Washington, into a celebration of the conference’s rising football talent and its storied history.
Montana State, fresh off a dominant season, will be represented by head coach Brent Vigen, a two‑time Big Sky Coach of the Year, and two of its most electrifying players, Taco Dowler and Caden Dowler.
Spokane Welcomes Big Sky’s Brightest
Vigen, who earned the conference’s top coaching honor in both 2024 and 2025, will lead the Bobcats onto the field for a series of live interviews and highlights that will stream on ESPN+ and Scripps Sports, giving national audiences a first look at the team’s new offensive schemes.
Taco Dowler, an All‑America return specialist and receiver, dazzled fans with a series of game‑changing plays last season, including a 97‑yard kickoff return that shifted momentum in a crucial conference matchup.
His brother, Caden Dowler, was crowned the 2025 Big Sky Defensive Player of the Year after recording interceptions against every opponent in the league, underscoring his impact on the Bobcats’ defensive identity.
The weekend’s centerpiece, the 2026 Big Sky Hall of Fame Gala, will take place on Saturday, July 25, at the Spokane Convention Center. The event honors former quarterback and coach Dennis Erickson, a Bobcats legend whose career spans playing, assisting, and leading the program to multiple championships.
Attendees can purchase tickets for $85 plus fees through BigSkyConf.com/HOF, which also offers a commemorative poster and a meal during the gala. The ceremony will feature a commemorative poster presentation, a dinner, and an opportunity to meet the inductees.
Beyond the gala, the Kickoff Weekend will showcase live interviews, behind‑the‑scenes footage, and exclusive player profiles, all produced in partnership with the Big Sky Conference, Montana State, and the host city of Spokane.