Full 2026 Montana Grizzlies Football Schedule and Key Matchups

The Montana Grizzlies have finalized their football schedule for the 2026 season, marking a significant milestone in the program's history. With a 12-game regular season featuring an optimal balance of home-field advantage and high-stakes road tests, the Grizzlies are preparing for a campaign that includes seven games at Washington-Grizzly Stadium and five on the road. This schedule is highlighted by a high-profile matchup against a Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) opponent and the historic 125th edition of the "Brawl of the Wild" against Montana State.

Detailed 2026 Montana Grizzlies Football Schedule

The 2026 season begins in late August, utilizing a 12-game format permitted by the NCAA calendar for that year. Below is the complete list of matchups, locations, and dates for the Montana Grizzlies.

Analyzing the Non-Conference Slate

The early portion of the 2026 schedule provides the Grizzlies with a unique opportunity to build momentum within the friendly confines of Missoula before facing one of their toughest road tests in years.

The Home Stand: Southern Utah, Drake, and Utah Tech

Montana will open the season with three consecutive home games. The season opener on August 29 against Southern Utah is particularly noteworthy as it marks the return of the Thunderbirds to the Big Sky rotation. Following this, the Grizzlies face Drake University on September 5, a program known for its competitive consistency in the Pioneer Football League. The non-conference home stretch concludes on September 12 against Utah Tech. This game has been designated as the Grizzly Sports Hall of Fame Game, a tradition where the university honors past legends while the current squad looks to cement its own legacy.

The FBS Challenge at Oregon State

On September 19, the Grizzlies travel to Corvallis to face the Oregon State Beavers. This matchup represents a significant step up in competition and a chance for the FCS powerhouse to test itself against an FBS program. Historically, Montana has shown it can compete at this level, most notably in their 2021 upset of the Washington Huskies. Facing Oregon State at Reser Stadium will require peak performance from the Grizzlies' defensive and special teams units, as the speed and depth of FBS rosters often provide a daunting challenge for visiting FCS schools.

Big Sky Conference Key Matchups

Conference play remains the lifeblood of the Montana Grizzlies' season, and the 2026 path to a Big Sky title is laden with traditional rivalries and critical late-season clashes.

Homecoming and the Battle for the Little Brown Stein

Homecoming is scheduled for October 3 against Northern Colorado. This event traditionally brings thousands of alumni back to Missoula, creating an atmosphere that is nearly impossible for visiting teams to overcome. Later in October, the Grizzlies host the University of Idaho on October 17. The battle for the "Little Brown Stein" is one of the oldest rivalries in the West, and in recent years, the Vandals have emerged as a legitimate national contender, making this game a potential pivot point for the conference standings.

The Road to the Playoffs: Eastern Washington and Montana State

The final month of the season features two of the most difficult road environments in the FCS. On October 31, the Grizzlies head to Cheney to face Eastern Washington on the infamous red turf. Following two more home games against Portland State and Idaho State, the regular season concludes on November 21 in Bozeman. The 125th Brawl of the Wild against Montana State is more than just a game; it is a cultural event in the state of Montana. With the 2026 edition taking place at Bobcat Stadium, the Grizzlies will face a hostile environment where playoff seeding or the Big Sky championship itself is likely to be on the line.

Context from the 2025 Transition Season

To understand the significance of the 2026 schedule, one must look at the preceding 2025 season, which set a historical precedent for the program. In 2025, Montana became the first known FCS team to play eight regular-season home games.

The Marathon of 2025

The 2025 schedule was unique due to its lack of a bye week, with the team playing 12 consecutive weeks without a break. This "marathon" approach was the trade-off for the unprecedented home-field advantage. The 2025 home slate included games against Central Washington, North Dakota, Indiana State, Idaho, Cal Poly, Sacred Heart, Eastern Washington, and the season finale against Montana State.

The 2026 schedule returns to a more traditional rhythm, including a much-needed bye week in late October. This structural change is expected to help the team manage player fatigue more effectively during the final stretch of conference play compared to the grueling 2025 run.

The Washington-Grizzly Stadium Advantage

For any opponent appearing on the 2026 schedule in Missoula, the challenge begins with the environment. Washington-Grizzly Stadium is widely considered the toughest place to play in the Football Championship Subdivision.

Attendance and Atmosphere

The Grizzlies have a long-standing tradition of leading the FCS in attendance. In recent seasons, the program has surpassed 18,000 season ticket packages sold, with individual games frequently drawing over 26,000 fans. The stadium record stands at 27,178, achieved during a recent Brawl of the Wild matchup.

The physical design of the stadium—with stands close to the field and a "sunken" bowl architecture—traps sound, often resulting in decibel levels that rival those of mid-major FBS programs. For the seven home games in 2026, including the opener against Southern Utah and the Homecoming game against Northern Colorado, this atmosphere serves as a "12th man," frequently leading to opponent procedural penalties and communication breakdowns.

Broadcasting and Media Coverage for the Season

Fans who cannot attend games in person will have comprehensive options for following the Grizzlies throughout the 2026 season. The university continues its partnership with Scripps Sports and the Montana Television Network (MTN) to ensure statewide coverage.

Television Networks

The majority of games will be televised on MTN stations across the state, including:

• KPAX in Missoula
• KTVQ in Billings
• KXLF in Butte
• KBZK in Bozeman
• KRTV in Great Falls
• KXLH in Helena

These broadcasts provide professional-grade production, often featuring dedicated pre-game and post-game analysis. For games with national implications, such as the Oregon State matchup or the showdown with UC Davis, viewers may need to look toward major linear networks like ESPN2 or specialized conference-wide broadcasts.

Streaming and Radio

Every Montana game is available for live streaming nationwide on ESPN+. This platform has become the primary home for Big Sky football, allowing fans across the country to watch the Grizzlies without blackout restrictions. On the airwaves, the Grizzly Sports Network provides radio coverage throughout Montana, with the flagship station KGVO in Missoula offering expanded pre-game coverage starting two hours before kickoff.

Ticket Information and GrizTix Access

The demand for Montana football tickets is at an all-time high, often necessitating advanced planning for those looking to attend games in 2026.

Season Tickets and Renewals

Season ticket packages remain the most reliable way to secure a seat at Washington-Grizzly Stadium. Historically, renewal rates for Griz football are among the highest in the nation. New season ticket packages typically start at approximately $200, granting access to all seven home games. For the 2026 season, priority is given to existing season ticket holders, followed by members of the Grizzly Scholarship Association (GSA).

Single Game and Playoff Tickets

Single-game tickets are released in phases, usually beginning in the late spring or early summer. Prices for these tickets vary based on the opponent, with premium matchups like the Idaho game or Homecoming commanding higher prices. Furthermore, season ticket holders often receive guaranteed access to purchase tickets for potential FCS playoff games, which is a major incentive given that home playoff games in Missoula have historically sold out within hours.

Impact of Big Sky Conference Changes

The 2026 schedule reflects the evolving landscape of the Big Sky Conference. With the inclusion of Southern Utah and Utah Tech in the early-season schedule, the Grizzlies are navigating a conference that is expanding its footprint across the Western United States.

Competitive Parity

The Big Sky has consistently placed multiple teams in the FCS playoffs. The 2026 schedule is designed to maximize Montana's RPI (Rating Percentage Index) by including a balanced mix of traditional powers and emerging programs. Road games at UC Davis and Northern Arizona are particularly critical, as these locations present unique environmental challenges—ranging from the high altitude of Flagstaff to the fast-paced offense typically employed by the Aggies in California.

The Significance of the Brawl of the Wild

While the 2026 schedule is full of important dates, the November 21 game at Montana State remains the ultimate focal point. This rivalry, officially known as the Brawl of the Wild, has been played since 1897 and is the premier sporting event in the state.

A Century of Competition

By 2026, the rivalry will reach its 125th meeting. The game rotates annually between Missoula and Bozeman. The stakes for this game often include the Big Sky Championship, the Great Divide Trophy, and automatic qualification for the FCS playoffs. The television ratings for this game consistently outperform major FBS matchups in the local market, often achieving household ratings that exceed those of the College Football Playoff national championship within the state of Montana.

Summary of the 2026 Outlook

The 2026 Montana Grizzlies football schedule is a masterclass in strategic planning. By securing seven home games, the university has ensured financial stability and a competitive advantage for the team. The inclusion of an FBS opponent in Oregon State provides the necessary "strength of schedule" to impress playoff selection committees, while the traditional Big Sky matchups maintain the rivalries that define the program's identity.

With the return of a bye week and a schedule that avoids the 12-week marathon of 2025, the Grizzlies are well-positioned to remain a dominant force in the FCS. Fans can expect high-octane football, record-breaking crowds, and a season-long journey that once again culminates in the most intense rivalry game in the Northwest.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do the 2026 Montana Grizzlies football games start?

The season officially begins on August 29, 2026, against Southern Utah. Specific kickoff times are typically finalized and announced in the summer of 2026 by the Big Sky Conference and the broadcast partners.

How can I buy tickets for the Griz vs. Oregon State game?

Tickets for away games, especially FBS matchups like Oregon State, are usually managed through the host school's ticket office. However, the Montana Athletics department typically receives a limited allotment of tickets for season ticket holders and GSA members.

Is the 2026 schedule different from the 2025 schedule?

Yes. The 2025 schedule was historic because it featured eight home games and 12 consecutive weeks of play without a bye. The 2026 schedule returns to a more standard format with seven home games and a bye week on October 24.

Where can I watch Griz football if I don't have cable?

All Montana Grizzlies football games are streamed live on ESPN+. You can access this via a monthly subscription on most smart TVs, mobile devices, and computers.

What is the Homecoming game for 2026?

The 2026 Homecoming game is scheduled for October 3 against Northern Colorado at Washington-Grizzly Stadium.

Will the Brawl of the Wild be televised nationally in 2026?

While the game is always broadcast statewide on MTN, it is frequently picked up by national networks like ESPN2 or ESPNU depending on the national rankings of both Montana and Montana State. At a minimum, it will be available nationally on ESPN+.