Montana State University is preparing for the 2026 campaign with the clear objective of defending its FCS national championship and achieving back‑to‑back titles, a milestone that would underline the program’s recent resurgence.
A Quarterback at the Helm
Quarterback Justin Lamson returns as a consensus top‑three quarterback in the FCS and was named MVP of last season’s championship game. His experience and poise give the Bobcats a reliable engine for the offense.
Depth at Receiver and Running Back
The receiving corps brings back five of its top seven pass catchers, highlighted by All‑American Taco Dowler and breakout freshman Dane Steel, while All‑American running back Adam Jones provides a versatile weapon in the backfield.
Defensive Uncertainties
The defensive line must replace several key departures, creating a major question mark for the team’s front seven. At cornerback, only Takhari Carr returns as a starter, and the addition of Penn transfer Alec Wills offers a potential boost, but depth remains a concern.
Linebacker corps should be a strength with all three primary contributors from the previous season retained, and the secondary remains one of the most talented in the FCS, suggesting that the defense could still be formidable if the line settles quickly.
Schedule and Expectations
The Bobcats enjoy a favorable slate, avoiding tough non‑conference opponents and securing a winnable FBS matchup against Nevada. This schedule positions the team to build momentum early and maintain focus on conference play.
If the interior defensive line can solidify and the secondary continues to perform at a high level, Montana State enters the season as a strong favorite to repeat as national champions, though the team will need to navigate the identified defensive gaps to achieve that goal.