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.
Championship Stakes and Team Backgrounds
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.
On the other side, 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.
How to Watch the Championship Game
For fans eager to catch the action, here’s what you need to know. The game is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. ET (6 p.m. local time) from Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas. You can watch the matchup on ESPN, with Dave Flemming leading the broadcast as the play-by-play announcer. He’ll be joined by Brock Osweiler as the analyst, while Stormy Buonantony serves as the sideline reporter. If you’re a cord-cutter, you can find the action on ESPN+ or Fubo, which offers a free trial.
Live Updates and Game Highlights
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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Game Progression: First Half Highlights
As the game kicked off, excitement filled the air.
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!
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.
7:12 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 7, Montana State 0
7:18 p.m.: Mellott danced down the sideline, collecting 19 yards on third down to keep the Bobcats’ offense churning.
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.
7:30 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. A 67-yard house call for the senior standout. The Bison are rolling early.
NDSU 14, Montana State 0
As the first quarter came to a close, the scoreboard reflected NDSU’s dominance.
End of First Quarter: NDSU 14, Montana State 0
The Bobcats needed to regroup.
7:49 p.m.: FIELD GOAL! Montana State breaks the seal with a three-point try from short distance.
NDSU 14, Montana State 3
As the game progressed, the tension mounted.
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.
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.
8:11 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.
The Road Ahead
As the championship game unfolds, fans are left wondering: Can Montana State overcome the odds and claim their first title in decades? Or will North Dakota State add another trophy to their already impressive collection? With both teams showcasing elite talent and determination, this matchup promises to be a thrilling encounter.
Stay tuned for more updates as the game progresses, and let’s see who will emerge victorious in this epic showdown!
