Illinois State Falls to Montana State in Historic FCS OT Thriller

URGENT UPDATE: In a nail-biting finish at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee, Illinois State fell to Montana State 35-34 in the first-ever overtime of the FCS National Championship on January 5, 2026. After a dramatic comeback from a 14-point deficit, the Redbirds’ hopes were dashed when their extra-point attempt was blocked, sealing the Bobcats’ victory and their first national championship since 1984.

Illinois State, led by head coach Brock Spack, made an impressive playoff run, entering the championship unseeded but defeating top-seeded North Dakota State along the way. The Redbirds (12-5) showcased resilience by clawing back into the game, tying it up in the final moments of regulation and taking their first lead in overtime.

The game, which attracted a crowd of 24,105—the highest for an FCS title match since 1996—was a rollercoaster of emotions. Montana State’s quarterback Justin Lamson was named MVP after throwing for 280 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winning pass to Taco Dowler on fourth-and-10.

In a tense finish, the Redbirds had their shot to win in regulation with 57 seconds remaining, but a blocked field goal attempt by Montana State’s Jhase McMillan halted their momentum. “We just couldn’t find one more play, and we needed to make one more play in order to win it,” Spack reflected post-game, emphasizing the narrow margins that defined the matchup.

Illinois State’s quarterback Tommy Rittenhouse threw for 311 yards and four touchdowns, connecting with redshirt freshman Dylan Lord for two of those scores. Lord had an outstanding performance, catching 13 passes for 161 yards. His crucial touchdown in the fourth quarter tied the game at 28-28, showcasing the Redbirds’ fight against the odds.

Despite the heartbreaking loss, Rittenhouse expressed pride in his team’s effort. “That was a classic football game right there,” he stated. His teammate, linebacker Tye Niekamp, added, “In the second half, we tackled a lot better, and that was the reason we played a lot better.”

Looking ahead, both teams have set the stage for future matchups, with Montana State now aiming to defend their title next season. The emotional toll of the game, combined with the historical significance of the first overtime in FCS history, is sure to resonate in the hearts of players and fans alike.

As the dust settles on this thrilling contest, it’s clear that the legacy of this game will inspire both programs as they move forward. The Redbirds may have fallen just short, but their journey has proven they belong among the elite in college football.