Big Sky Now

Bobby Hauck Retires: What’s Next for Montana Football and the Big Sky?

Bobby Hauck has officially retired as head coach of Montana football, and on this episode of Big Sky Now, the Daily Inter Lake panel breaks down what it means for the Griz, the Big Sky Conference, and the future of FCS football. Host Luke Schmit is joined by Daily Inter Lake's sports editor Fritz Neighbor and reporter Jon Allen to unpack the timing and nuance behind Hauck’s decision — from his growing frustration with the transfer portal and NIL era to the ripple effects of signing day, recruiting cycles, and roster stability. The panel reflects on Hauck’s legacy as the winningest coach in Big Sky Conference history, his two tenures in Missoula, and why this retirement felt sudden — yet inevitable. The discussion also turns to Bobby Kennedy stepping in as Montana’s next head coach, how the Griz are positioned heading into spring ball, and what this change could mean for player retention and competitiveness in 2026. Plus, the crew touches on Big Sky offseason storylines, returning quarterback-receiver duos across the state, and the growing national footprint of Big Sky players at the professional level. Read Fritz's article about Coach Hauck's retirement on dailyinterlake.com [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbWszLUhlX0Z6QUVNVGJ3VFFScmtXZnQ1VHpOd3xBQ3Jtc0ttcEN3aW5YX3pOcUJaeUNkUkJsYXFCQ3NMUWJfVUlFZVloY0gtWXdTT05kakZOdkYyNDc1dWM5REgtMnNOelJjbkdxUnBhSDQ3bFFzS1FXR3ExWVVieDlQMm9PN1diZWU5Rjh6VVdUaC11UFA1MURMbw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fdailyinterlake.com%2Fnews%2F2026%2Ffeb%2F04%2Fgriz-head-coach-bobby-hauck-retires-in-surprise-announcement%2F&v=wVkhlDkVFvg]. Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support [https://dailyinterlake.com/support] In Season 3 of Daily Inter Lake's Deep Dive podcast, we explore the devastating fire that struck the small town of Noxon, Montana. By the end of the day on February 27, 2024, three-quarters of the town’s business community were wiped out. Listen to the two-part story on any audio platform [https://dildeepdive.buzzsprout.com/] you prefer, or watch the series on our YouTube channel [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL629PKM7Kk3qKI7cOWf59Uod328UqoJGr]. Would you rather watch this episode? Check out Daily Inter Lake's YouTube page [https://www.youtube.com/@daily_inter_lake]! Please like and subscribe to keep up to date with all things Big Sky Conference.  Email us any questions you may have at podcast@dailyinterlake.com [podcast@dailyinterlake.com] - you may be featured in our next discussion!

THEY FINALLY DID IT! Montana State’s Historic Championship Recap + Big Sky Now Season Finale

Montana State is your FCS National Champion! On this episode of Big Sky Now, Luke Schmit is joined by Fritz Neighbor, Jon Allen, and Mark Nelke to break down an unforgettable overtime victory over Illinois State in Nashville — the Bobcats’ first national title in 41 years. The panel dives into the turning points that defined the game, including Illinois State’s second-half control, the blocked field goal that forced overtime, and the decisive fourth-down touchdown that sealed a 35–34 win. They also discuss what this championship means for Montana State, the Big Sky Conference, and a program that finally finished the job on the sport’s biggest stage. The episode closes with reflections on the 2025 season, favorite moments from around the Big Sky, and what lies ahead as the transfer portal era reshapes the conference. A huge thank you to Vann Law Firm for sponsoring our Championship coverage of Big Sky Now podcast. Specializing in criminal defense, personal injury, and estate planning, Vann Law Firm provides expert legal support across the Flathead Valley. Their team is committed to clear communication and personalized guidance, helping clients navigate legal challenges with confidence. For a free consultation, call 406-826-6529 or visit https://vannlawfirm.com/ Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support [https://dailyinterlake.com/support] In Season 3 of Daily Inter Lake's Deep Dive podcast, we explore the devastating fire that struck the small town of Noxon, Montana. By the end of the day on February 27, 2024, three-quarters of the town’s business community were wiped out. Listen to the two-part story on any audio platform [https://dildeepdive.buzzsprout.com/] you prefer, or watch the series on our YouTube channel [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL629PKM7Kk3qKI7cOWf59Uod328UqoJGr]. Would you rather watch this episode? Check out Daily Inter Lake's YouTube page [https://www.youtube.com/@daily_inter_lake]! Please like and subscribe to keep up to date with all things Big Sky Conference.  Email us any questions you may have at podcast@dailyinterlake.com [podcast@dailyinterlake.com] - you may be featured in our next discussion!

Montana State Wins the FCS National Championship: How the Bobcats Outlasted Illinois State in OT

Montana State is back on top of the FCS! Host Luke Schmit is joined by Daily Inter Lake sports reporter Jon Allen to immediately break down Montana State’s FCS National Championship victory over Illinois State in Nashville on Monday night. The Bobcats captured their second national title in program history, surviving a dramatic overtime battle that tested their discipline, depth, and resilience. Luke and Jon analyze how Montana State jumped out early, then weathered a relentless second-half push from Illinois State, which outgained the Bobcats in total yards, first downs, rushing yards, and time of possession. Despite 14 penalties and extended stretches without the ball, Montana State made the biggest plays when it mattered most - including a fourth-down touchdown and a blocked kick in overtime to seal the championship. The conversation highlights Justin Lamson’s legacy-defining performance, clutch moments from Taco Dowler, and how Montana State’s special teams once again proved decisive on the national stage. The duo also discusses Illinois State’s halftime adjustments, standout Redbirds performances, and why this game swung on execution rather than statistics. Finally, the episode puts the win into historical context: Montana State ends the season on a 14-game winning streak and delivers the Big Sky Conference its first FCS national championship since Eastern Washington in 2010. A huge thank you to Vann Law Firm for sponsoring our Championship coverage of Big Sky Now podcast. Specializing in criminal defense, personal injury, and estate planning, Vann Law Firm provides expert legal support across the Flathead Valley. Their team is committed to clear communication and personalized guidance, helping clients navigate legal challenges with confidence. For a free consultation, call 406-826-6529 or visit https://vannlawfirm.com/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqazVqTUZyX1YyUGVNNUwwalU5UDBfUFhXbkljd3xBQ3Jtc0tsNV9CVHhGQi1pZ1N0c08tWlg5UVRXR0hUUTZsUUZJT0o0VUVzQkNockJ2UlVwSXN5VThOSGJvTWQtTDR3TlA5Z0FucWpWdmZfS1lMYWgzQmc4cVRrenJKLU5qaUZzVmZOVzFLZjI4WXNhUW1GQzJaOA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fvannlawfirm.com%2F&v=ynvKYQCv04M] Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support [https://dailyinterlake.com/support] In Season 3 of Daily Inter Lake's Deep Dive podcast, we explore the devastating fire that struck the small town of Noxon, Montana. By the end of the day on February 27, 2024, three-quarters of the town’s business community were wiped out. Listen to the two-part story on any audio platform [https://dildeepdive.buzzsprout.com/] you prefer, or watch the series on our YouTube channel [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL629PKM7Kk3qKI7cOWf59Uod328UqoJGr]. Would you rather watch this episode? Check out Daily Inter Lake's YouTube page [https://www.youtube.com/@daily_inter_lake]! Please like and subscribe to keep up to date with all things Big Sky Conference.  Email us any questions you may have at podcast@dailyinterlake.com [podcast@dailyinterlake.com] - you may be featured in our next discussion!

Big Sky Now in Nashville: Boots on the Ground before the FCS Championship

Montana State is one win away from an FCS national championship, and Big Sky Now is on the ground in Nashville. Host Luke Schmit is joined by Daily Inter Lake sports editor Fritz Neighbor, who joins from Tennessee ahead of the title matchup between the Bobcats and Illinois State. Fritz breaks down Montana State’s preparation, the fan presence taking over Broadway, and what he learned from media day interviews with Bobcats quarterback Justin Lamson and other key players. The conversation also dives into head coach Brent Vigen’s mindset, how Montana State has reloaded since last season’s championship loss, and why a fast start will be critical against a battle-tested Illinois State team. The Redbirds arrive riding a dominant road run out of the Missouri Valley Football Conference, setting up a high-stakes showdown between two of the FCS’s toughest programs. Fritz also shares insight on Illinois State’s roster, the national championship atmosphere at FirstBank Stadium, and kickoff details as the Big Sky looks to claim its first FCS title since 2010. Kickoff is set for 5:30 p.m. Mountain Time in Nashville. Watch our full preview and predictions ahead of the game [https://youtu.be/Fy3UgvnJPLw?si=HoirUjcqe0VyY6wG]! https://youtu.be/Fy3UgvnJPLw?si=HoirUjcqe0VyY6wG A huge thank you to Vann Law Firm for sponsoring our Championship coverage of Big Sky Now podcast. Specializing in criminal defense, personal injury, and estate planning, Vann Law Firm provides expert legal support across the Flathead Valley. Their team is committed to clear communication and personalized guidance, helping clients navigate legal challenges with confidence. For a free consultation, call 406-826-6529 or visit https://vannlawfirm.com/ [https://vannlawfirm.com/] Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support [https://dailyinterlake.com/support] In Season 3 of Daily Inter Lake's Deep Dive podcast, we explore the devastating fire that struck the small town of Noxon, Montana. By the end of the day on February 27, 2024, three-quarters of the town’s business community were wiped out. Listen to the two-part story on any audio platform [https://dildeepdive.buzzsprout.com/] you prefer, or watch the series on our YouTube channel [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL629PKM7Kk3qKI7cOWf59Uod328UqoJGr]. Would you rather watch this episode? Check out Daily Inter Lake's YouTube page [https://www.youtube.com/@daily_inter_lake]! Please like and subscribe to keep up to date with all things Big Sky Conference.  Email us any questions you may have at podcast@dailyinterlake.com [podcast@dailyinterlake.com] - you may be featured in our next discussion!

FCS National Championship Preview: Montana State Bobcats vs Illinois State Redbirds

The FCS National Championship is finally here, and the Big Sky Now panel breaks down everything surrounding Montana State vs Illinois State in Nashville. Host Luke Schmit is joined by Fritz Neighbor, Jon Allen, Mike Maynard, and Mark Nelke to analyze the key matchups, coaching storylines, and historical stakes facing both programs. The discussion centers on Montana State’s dominant rushing attack, elite line play, and championship experience versus an Illinois State team that has powered through four straight playoff road wins. The panel examines whether the Redbirds’ veteran offense and physical run game can neutralize the Bobcats early, how quarterback play could swing momentum, and why trench play may ultimately decide the title. With Montana State chasing its first national championship win since 1984 and Illinois State seeking the first FCS title in program history, the crew delivers score predictions, matchup insights, and what each team must do in the opening quarter to lift the trophy. Plus, Fritz shares what it means to cover the championship game live from Nashville. A huge thank you to Vann Law Firm and M&C Tires for sponsoring this special postseason coverage of Big Sky Now podcast. Specializing in criminal defense, personal injury, and estate planning, Vann Law Firm provides expert legal support across the Flathead Valley. Their team is committed to clear communication and personalized guidance, helping clients navigate legal challenges with confidence. For a free consultation, call 406-826-6529 or visit https://vannlawfirm.com/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa3QwR1NyQkpVUTRzcFhIUDlDRTRPY2NnNmVVQXxBQ3Jtc0tscGR5TG5LQXNUWmxCRGxYSEhYWWNSRFdUQ05Db2wwcDY1SmRzaEVsREI3a1ZhVGVqVTJyQ2dLSzJ3R1k1UllkQ09UMFZqUFg1amtleUpabHc2Vi1lUlZHdkpGX29ST0FtdzVFT21sUmg4Q1BjSV9Fbw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fvannlawfirm.com%2F&v=YqVNlkx9BQQ] Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support [https://dailyinterlake.com/support] In Season 3 of Daily Inter Lake's Deep Dive podcast, we explore the devastating fire that struck the small town of Noxon, Montana. By the end of the day on February 27, 2024, three-quarters of the town’s business community were wiped out. Listen to the two-part story on any audio platform [https://dildeepdive.buzzsprout.com/] you prefer, or watch the series on our YouTube channel [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL629PKM7Kk3qKI7cOWf59Uod328UqoJGr]. Would you rather watch this episode? Check out Daily Inter Lake's YouTube page [https://www.youtube.com/@daily_inter_lake]! Please like and subscribe to keep up to date with all things Big Sky Conference.  Email us any questions you may have at podcast@dailyinterlake.com [podcast@dailyinterlake.com] - you may be featured in our next discussion!