Redbirds fall to MSU Bobcats in FCS title game in OT
Written by Liam Lyons on January 8, 2026
NORMAL, Ill.- Illinois State football’s cinderella run to the FCS national championship ended in heartbreak Monday night, as the Redbirds fell 35–34 to Montana State in overtime, the first title game in the FCS’ 48-year history to be decided beyond regulation.
The Redbirds, who entered the FCS playoffs unranked and have been road underdogs throughout the playoffs, were one play away from capturing their first national championship in school history.
Despite the close finish, the Redbirds fought from behind a majority of the game, trailing 14-0 following two Justin Lamson rushing touchdowns on MSU’s first two drives.
The Redbirds would respond on the next drive, capping off a 10 play, 80 yard drive with a 6 yard passing touchdown to Scotty Presson, putting the Redbirds down a touchdown at 14-7.
Just as momentum began to swing the way of the Redbirds, MSU would march down the field in 36 seconds to extend their lead before halftime on a 33 yard passing TD to Dane Steel.
It was a tale of the second half for the Redbirds, who would force a punt on MSU’s opening drive of the half before senior running back Victor Dawson led a seven minute drive that saw ISU guard Logan Brasfield fall on a fumble in the endzone for the touchdown.
Following an MSU touchdown to make it a 28-14 game, the ISU defense would force three punts on the next three drives to give the Redbirds offense a chance late in the game.
Tommy Rittenhouse would find Daniel Sobkowicz in the back of the endzone to put the Redbirds within one score of MSU at 28-21. Then the next drive would see Dylan Lord tie the game at 28-28 on a 25 yard receiving touchdown. Lord would finish the day with 13 receptions, 161 yards and two touchdowns.
An MSU punt with 3:09 left in the fourth quarter set up a dramatic finish from First Bank Stadium, with the Redbirds driving down to the MSU 37 yard line to attempt a game winning field goal with 57 seconds left.
While this marks the end of the Redbird football season, the Redbirds did the impossible. This team won four straight on the road and then took one of the best FCS football teams to the wire in Nashville.
ISU Football will open the season next year in DeKalb, Illinois for a matchup with the FBS NIU Huskies. NIU will be playing out of the Mountain West conference.
For all things Redbird football, and Redbird athletics be sure to stay tuned to wznd.com.
