Big Sky Preseason Outlook
Montana State entered the 2026 Big Sky football season as the clear favorite, riding the momentum of a recent national championship that cemented its status among the top FCS programs.
The preseason rankings released by both coaches and media placed the Bobcats at the top, with 35 first‑place votes from the press and 11 from league head coaches, underscoring a consensus that the team is poised to repeat its success.
That confidence is rooted in a flawless 8‑0 record in conference play last year and a 14‑game winning streak that carried the team through the playoffs, a run that culminated in the 2025 FCS title.
The league will gather its teams for the 2026 Big Sky Kickoff Weekend from July 24 through July 27 in Spokane, Washington, a venue that has become synonymous with the conference’s summer showcase.
During Media Day on Monday, July 27, the event will kick off at 10:00 a.m. Mountain Time, featuring co‑hosts Meghan Robinson of the Big Sky and Kyle Hansen of Scripps Sports, who will guide a broadcast that streams on ESPN+ and across Scripps stations, including The Spot – MTN in Montana.
The preseason all‑conference team and most valuable player awards will be revealed on Sunday, July 26, adding another layer of anticipation as the conference prepares for another competitive year.
With traditional rivals such as Montana, UC Davis and a host of other Big Sky members like Northern Arizona, Idaho State and Weber State all eyeing a share of the title, the upcoming season promises a fresh slate of matchups that could reshape the conference landscape.