On Saturday night, the Montana State football account shared a video of MSU players swarming and celebrating with quarterback Tommy Mellott in the hotel lobby after he returned from winning the Walter Payton Award.

The vibes were immaculate. 

The responses and comments to the video were aplenty, talking about how this Bobcat team was different, a truly special squad ready to accomplish greatness in the FCS championship game in two nights, a team of destiny, and some “Cats by 90” type of responses as well.

The video was another moment of things just lining up for MSU to win its first national championship in 40 years. From Mellott’s magical play as everyone’s favorite Montana son, to Brent Vigen not getting swayed by FBS openings, to how MSU had built itself up over the years to finally get to this moment, to finally reach the FCS mountaintop after a multi-season climb that ended in tough tumbles.

If not now, then when?

It was all leading up to a legendary day for the state of Montana.

And then … NDSU happened.

The Bison — an underdog in the spread (+4.5) and most predictions (even from FCS coaches who know what they’re seeing) — beat the Bobcats 35-32 Monday night to win their 10th FCS national championship.

NDSU took a commanding 21-3 lead into halftime. But MSU made a valiant comeback, making it a 21-18 deficit with two straight touchdowns in the third quarter. The Bison made it a 2-score game again, then MSU made it 28-25, then NDSU made it a 2-score game again, and then MSU made it 35-32 with 1:09 to go but couldn’t recover the ensuing onside kick.

It was a fun finish after a jarring first-half domination by the Bison. The FCS title game needed some late-game drama after three straight years of decisive results.

After a two-season “drought,” the Bison have reclaimed their FCS throne, continuing one of the most impressive runs in college football history. The true meaning of a program lives in Fargo.

“A pretty incredible journey started with a group of seniors that decided after a team meeting to get together and just what are we going to do?” NDSU head coach Tim Polasek said after the game. “They chose to stay. And once again, there’s a lot of evidence with our program, we’re running a football program, but those that stayed will be champions.”

Cam Miller was a gamer tonight, as he’s been all season. He completed 19/22 passes for 199 yards and two touchdowns while rushing 18 times for 121 yards and another two scores.

But all eyes were on Montana State entering this game. Was it finally their time? It seemed so, which makes this a crushing loss for MSU. And it was a business-as-usual and an OK-make-room-for-another-trophy win for NDSU.

“We came here with one expectation,” Vigen said postgame. “I know it stings a lot for these guys, for these seniors in particular that have laid such a foundation for our program. They’ve certainly built upon the seniors before them, but the success they’ve had, been through a lot of ups and some downs. Obviously this is a low point. You end up rattling off 15 victories and you can’t finish it off, this is not how we wanted this day to end. But I know the program’s much better for their efforts.”

Polasek is a very likable guy. The players are likable. NDSU fans, while brash and confident online, are some of the nicest humans when you talk to them in person. But NDSU is the villain in the FCS. That’s the reality when you’ve won this many titles. It’s less about you, and more about your success. The Kansas City Chiefs have gone from a likable team to a squad many are sick of. Same thing with Golden State in the 2010s.

And boy did NDSU play the villain part well on Monday.

It was supposed to be a historic day in Montana, a state that loves its football teams like the Frisco area loves its Cowboys. It was supposed to be a movie-like sendoff for several Montana seniors who learned their lessons in past playoff defeats to build themselves into a national championship team. It was supposed to be Mellott’s statue-building performance as one of, if not the most notable players in the state’s history. It was supposed to be a full-circle moment for MSU to finally topple NDSU.

And then … NDSU happened.

Maybe it’s because us FCS followers want new storylines. Something different. Maybe some were trying to wish an MSU win into existence and talk themselves into it being a likelihood. Maybe because this year’s NDSU team isn’t quite on the same level as all-time Bison teams like 2013, 2018, or 2019, we subconsciously think the Bison aren’t as good as they actually are. “This is an all-time Montana State team going up against one of NDSU’s least talented teams” was a common thought. But maybe this NDSU team was also really really good and our memories of the all-time Bison teams deceive how we evaluate more current NDSU rosters. Maybe there’s just something about this NDSU program where it rises up and plays its best in the biggest moment.

And the Bison reminded us who they are once again.

“The standard is the standard, and the expectation is the expectation,” Polasek said.

Every FCS fan base besides, of course, NDSU (and maybe Montana) wanted the Bobcats to win. It was a feel-good moment other fan bases were ready to celebrate. Instead, the Bison told the rest of the FCS, “Remember who we are.” The amount of dirt shoveled on their dynasty was probably enough to make a new road from Fargo to Frisco.

And then … NDSU happened.

It’s the Bison’s FCS once again.

Two of FCS’s greatest prizefighters are set to lock horns on Monday night. The reward? One of college sport’s grandest honors — a national championship.

North Dakota State (13-2) meets Montana State (15-0) in the 2025 FCS Championship. The showdown, slated to be held at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas, is a rematch of the Bison and Bobcats’ 2021 championship duel. That matchup ended in a 38-10 NDSU victory, although the game turned on its head when Montana State’s star QB, Tommy Mellott, exited after the first series due to an ankle injury.

The Bison are FCS’s most preeminent powerhouse, winners of nine of the past 13 FCS titles. They’ve been held without a trophy for each of the past two seasons, losing in the championship to rival South Dakota State two years ago and in the semifinals to Montana last year. But with Cam Miller leading the line on offense, Tim Polasek’s side looks as capable as ever to take home some more hardware.

STREAM: Watch NDSU vs. Montana State live with Fubo (free trial)

To do so, it’ll have to down Mellott and the Bobcats. Montana State is seeking its first title since 1984 and the second 16-0 campaign in FCS history. Mellott leads the charge, having bested Miller and Southern Utah’s Targhee Lambson to take home the Walter Payton Award as FCS’s best offensive player. A quick glance at his stat line reveals why he garnered such praise: Mellott accounted for just over 3,500 yards of total offense and 43 touchdowns (29 passing, 14 rushing). He also tallied just two interceptions in his first 15 games.

The Sporting News is tracking live updates from NDSU and Montana State’s duel in the 2025 FCS Championship. Follow below for highlights, live results, and more as two of FCS’s best sides ready for their close-up.

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North Dakota State vs. Montana State score

North Dakota State vs. Montana State live updates, results, highlights from 2025 FCS Championship

(All times Eastern)

8:11 p.m.: Now, it’s the Bison’s turn to work their way down the field methodically. Miller is using his legs and arm to great effect in the game’s opening two frames. This drive is no exception; after connecting with Bryce Lance and RaJa Nelson on three straight plays, NDSU is just outside the red zone. 30 seconds left in the second quarter. The Bison have one timeout left.

8:05 p.m.: TURNOVER ON DOWNS! Mellott and Co. are stuffed on fourth-and-five. NDSU gets the ball back with about a minute left and 30 or so yards from field goal range.

8:02 p.m.: Mellott and Montana State are starting to find their form. Mellott continues to jab at NDSU’s defense with short- and intermediate-length runs. The Bobcats are on the brink of Bison territory.

7:57 p.m.: The Bobcats finally stifled Miller, spilling into the pocket to crowd him out. NDSU is forced to punt it back to the Bobcats after falling short of the first down marker after three plays.

7:49 p.m.: FIELD GOAL! Montana State breaks the seal with a three-point try from short distance.

NDSU 14, Montana State 3

7:45 p.m.: Montana State’s second drive of the day has gone about as good as one can hope. NDSU is limiting the Bobcats’ ability to string together big plays. But Montana State is employing a “death by a thousand paper cuts” approach to the drive, moving down the field at an onerous pace. Up to 14 plays thus far.

End of first quarter: NDSU 14, Montana State 0

7:30 p.m.: TOUCHDOWN! Miller does it again! This time, he opted for both the marathon and the sprint, dashing beyond the Bobcats surveillance after splitting the defensive line. 67 yard house call for the senior standout. The Bison are rolling early.

CAM MILLER TAKES IT 64 YARDS! pic.twitter.com/FwoELRAw7M

— Mr Matthew CFB (@MrMatthew_CFB) January 7, 2025

NDSU 14, Montana State 0

7:20 p.m.: Montana State’s drive fell to bits after breeching NDSU territory. The ball is headed back to the Bison via punt. 

7:18 p.m.: Mellott danced down the sideline, collecting 19 yards on third down to keep the Bobcats’ offense churning.

7:12 p.m.: TOUCHDOWN! Miller bursts through the seams, leaps and crosses the plane of the end zone while his helmet flies off his head. Wondrous start for the Bison, who collect 75 yards and more than seven minutes en route to the game’s opening score.

NDSU STRIKES FIRST pic.twitter.com/zQtaDUbDit

— Mr Matthew CFB (@MrMatthew_CFB) January 7, 2025

NDSU 7, Montana State 0

7:08 p.m.: Miller and Co. are moving down the field with relative ease. Miller’s already up to 44 yards on 3-of-3 passing. He’s added an additional 12 yards on the ground. NDSU is inside Montana State’s 10-yard line five minutes into the contest.

7:04 p.m.: And we’re off! NDSU’s offense is trotting onto the field, led by its star hurler, Miller. Here we go!

6:58 p.m.: We’re mere moments away from kickoff. As a reminder, here’s a look at how NDSU-Montana State matchup ended. It’s safe to say that the Bobcats will want some revenge.

#NDSUSeasonOpenerCountdown: #76: The biggest play of the 2023 Bison football season came from number 76, Hunter Poncius.

Poncius blocked Montana State’s game-tying extra point in overtime, securing a 35-34 NDSU win in the 2nd round of the FCS Playoffs. pic.twitter.com/QLyfYsJJTJ

— Dom Izzo (@DomIzzoWDAY) June 14, 2024

6:10 p.m.: Here come the senior gunslingers! It’s NDSU’s Cam Miller vs. Montana State’s Tommy Mellott in a rematch of the 2021 FCS Championship. Both hurlers were among the best at their position in 2024. Let’s see if that translates into a barnstorming performance tonight.

Mellott vs. Miller pic.twitter.com/UeFbrmC37b

— Sam Herder (@SamHerderFCS) January 6, 2025

5:45 p.m.: Here’s another view of the raptures taking place outside of the Toyota Stadium concourses.

The scene outside Toyota Stadium ahead of the #FCSChampionship pic.twitter.com/GkiiXAwbnI

— Sam Herder (@SamHerderFCS) January 6, 2025

5:30 p.m.: There are plenty of eyes on tonight’s contest, with the Toyota Stadium backdrop sharing an eery resemblance to both the Fargodome and Bobcat Stadium, depending on your vantage point.

NDSU has arrived pic.twitter.com/Gd6JHJrROl

— Sam Herder (@SamHerderFCS) January 6, 2025

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Montana State has arrived pic.twitter.com/Bfo3wMQjxv

— Sam Herder (@SamHerderFCS) January 6, 2025

North Dakota State vs. Montana State start time

• Date: Monday, Jan. 6
• Time: 7 p.m. ET (6 p.m. local)

North Dakota State and Montana State will lock horns in the 2025 FCS Championship. The game is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. ET (6 p.m. local time) from Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas.

What channel is North Dakota State vs. Montana State on today?

• TV Channel: ESPN
• Streaming: ESPN+, Fubo

ESPN will carry coverage of North Dakota State and Montana State’s matchup in the 2025 FCS Championship. Dave Flemming will lead the broadcast, serving as the game’s play-by-play announcer. He’ll be joined by Brock Osweiler (analyst) in the booth. Stormy Buonantony will serve as the game’s sideline reporter.

Cord-cutters can find the action on ESPN+ or Fubo, which offers a free trial.

FRISCO, Texas — He burst on the scene four years ago like a supernova, a boy wonder from Butte with raw yet inimitable talent.

His first game as Montana State’s quarterback felt like an apparition — 180 rushing yards and two touchdowns in a 26-7 playoff victory over UT Martin at Bobcat Stadium. It was the first step on what was a remarkable postseason journey.

It proved to be an advent toward greatness.

Now Tommy Mellott, no longer an untried kid, has a chance to finish his career with the ultimate prize: a national championship.

RELATED: MONTANA STATE QB TOMMY MELLOTT WINS 2024 WALTER PAYTON AWARD

Mellott and the Bobcats, with a 15-0 record, look to reach the summit with a victory over North Dakota State (13-2) in the FCS title game Monday night at Toyota Stadium and end a 40-year championship drought.

If MSU finishes the job, Mellott will surely have played a major role. Just as he has throughout his time in Bozeman.

“Tommy’s been phenomenal,” Bobcats coach Brent Vigen said, “and he needs to be phenomenal one more time.”

Mellott has been making plays at MSU for the duration of his career, but this is the season in which he became a true quarterback.

In years prior Mellott’s throwing ability was, for all intents and purposes, untapped and unrealized. He did most of his damage as a running QB, tearing through defenses with speed and shiftiness, earning him the nickname “Touchdown Tommy” for his penchant to find the end zone.

That’s not to say he didn’t make plays with his arm, but even Mellott admits it was a rudimentary style of quarterbacking — a bit of organized chaos that led the Cats to what can be considered an unexpected appearance in the title game in 2021.

“Freshman year was a whirlwind,” Mellott said. “There’s a lot of things I didn’t know about football at that point. It was just going out there making plays, and ultimately I think we made enough to make it to that game.”

However, he injured his ankle early in the title contest and the overmatched Bobcats lost to North Dakota State 38-10. They left Texas with their championship dreams dashed.

“As I sat on the sideline, you know, just kind of hobbled, and I had to sit out and watch our seniors who had sacrificed so much and blood, sweat and tears in this program to build it up to what it was at that moment, and just see obviously the end of their careers come at the hands of North Dakota State, knowing I couldn’t do anything was an awful feeling,” Mellott said.

The years since have been a time for growth for Mellott, as both a quarterback and a leader.

In his sophomore and junior seasons Mellott split time at QB with Wyoming transfer Sean Chambers, and that Big Cat/Little Cat combo worked well as the Cats won 20 games combined in 2022 and 2023 with a trip to the semifinal round mixed in.

Even so, last year wasn’t exactly smooth for Mellott. Not only was he sharing time in a two-man rotation, but he also missed games due to injury and MSU didn’t make it out of the second round of the playoffs with another loss to the Bison.

The 2024 Bobcats are unequivocally Mellott’s team, and he’s become a prized dual threat behind center. The Bobcats’ offense, coordinated by Tyler Walker, made a point this year to limit hits on Mellott and he has flourished like never before.

In 15 games, Mellott has completed 68.8% of his passes for 2,564 yards with 29 touchdown and just two interceptions. He also has 915 rushing yards and 14 more scores on the ground while averaging 8.4 yards per carry.

Mellott leads an offense that has scored 30 or more points in every game, eclipsed 40 eight times and topped 50 three more times.

“The artistic piece to playing quarterback was essentially all that I really had my freshman year,” Mellott admitted. “And so really since then it’s kind of been a battle to obviously make it more of a science with numbers and stuff like that.

“And so I’ve really learned a great amount from the coordinators that I’ve had, coach Walker this year, coach (Taylor) Housewright before, and coach Vigen as well has played a huge role in understanding numbers, really, in the run game and in the pass game, you know, protections, all that sort of thing.

“It’s been great to try to find that happy medium between it being a science and an art. So I think that it’s certainly slowed down. But I’ve just enjoyed it a lot. I’ve just been enjoying the process of it all.”

On Saturday night, Mellot was named the recipient of the 2024 Walter Payton Award as the top offensive player in the FCS. Mellott is the first player from MSU to ever win the honor.

He has also been named a first-team All-American by various media outlets, and won the both the Walter Camp FCS player of the year award and offensive player of the year by the FCS Athletic Directors Association.

“I think back to 2021, me and Tommy are running down on kickoffs next to each other and covering punts and everything, so kind of growing up all the way from that to, you know, him really starting his first game against UT Martin and those playoffs and taking off from there,” safety Rylan Ortt said. “It’s been awesome to watch.

“Tommy’s one of those dudes that just does everything right, and he’s not going to ask anybody to do anything that he’s not going to do himself.”

It’s been about mental development as much as it has physical.

Said Vigen: “Tommy’s growth, in a lot of ways, has been in his willingness Monday through Thursday, let’s say, to sit down with coach Walker, even sit down with me and express his thoughts of the game plan of the opponent, what he likes, what he doesn’t like.

“I think that’s a huge transition for a quarterback, and he’s taken that piece to the level that he needed to this year when you talk about his control of the offense.”

Vigen’s reputation as a “quarterback whisperer” has proved useful for Mellott. As a QB coach and offensive coordinator at both NDSU and Wyoming, Vigen helped turn the likes of Carson Wentz and Josh Allen into first-round NFL draft picks. Allen, the star quarterback for the Buffalo Bills, could very well be NFL MVP this year.

Mellott’s skill set is different, but the focus and drive are equal.

“I think he’s continued to reach these heights because there’s that same common thread of not being satisfied in anything,” Vigen said. “When we lost that game last year to end our season, that was the best he had played quarterback. And we had to really point that out.

“He still had aspirations to how far could this go, and really he’s so humble at the same time. So they all have a lot of similarities in just who they are inside, how they’ve been raised. You know, the hardest working guys on the team. I think those are the common threads.”

Mellott’s career has been an advent toward greatness.

No longer an untried kid from Butte, he has a chance to rectify what happened here three years ago and finish it off with the ultimate prize: a national championship.

“When I walked out onto the field (in 2021) it was just a feeling of, are we ever going to be able to get back here in the next four years? Is this taken for granted at this moment?” Mellott said. “Ever since that, it’s really just been motivation to earn the right to go back and play in the national championship game.

“Growing up in Montana I wanted to always go to Montana State. I wanted to be part of the Cats, wanted to wear the blue and gold. It’s just a privilege and a blessing to play here with the seniors and the guys that have left before me and are obviously going to continue on after me. It’s just been an honor and a privilege to play with those guys.”