One of the powers of FCS football takes on the biggest Cinderella story in the history of the FCS football tournament in the 2026 FCS National Championship.

A revenge win was not in the cards for Montana as the Griz close the season at 13-2 in the program's 13 th appearance in the semifinal round of the playoffs, with the only two losses of the year coming at the hands of Montana State.

Justin Lamson accounted for four touchdowns, Adam Jones had 131 yards rushing and two TDs, and second-seeded Montana State beat No. 3 seed Montana 48-23 on Saturday in the semifinals of the FCS playoffs.

Illinois State is making its second FCS title game appearance. The Redbirds last made it during the 2014 season, losing 29-27 to North Dakota State.