Whereas, on January 5, 2026, the Montana State University Bobcats football team (referred to in this preamble as the Bobcats) won the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Football Championship Subdivision (referred to in this preamble as the FCS) national championship by defeating the Illinois State University Redbirds 35 to 34 in a thrilling overtime victory;

Whereas the Bobcats secured their first FCS Championship since 1984 and fourth national championship title for football in school history;

Whereas head coach Brent Vigen led the Bobcats to a second consecutive national championship appearance and third appearance during his 5-year tenure;

Whereas the Bobcats secured the 2025 Big Sky Conference Championship;

Whereas the Bobcats defeated their archrivals, the University of Montana Grizzlies, in the game known as the Brawl of the Wild on November 22, 2025, in Missoula, Montana;

Whereas, on December 20, 2025, in Bozeman, Montana, the Bobcats defeated the University of Montana Grizzlies again in the first postseason matchup between the two programs since the rivalry began in 1897;

Whereas the Bobcats finished the season on a 14-game winning streak, defeating seven ranked opponents;

Whereas the President of Montana State University, Dr. Brock Tessman, former President, Dr. Waded Cruzado, and Athletic Director, Leon Costello, have fostered a dedication of athletic and academic excellence at the institution;

Whereas five Bobcats earned FCS Football Central All-American honors, including offensive lineman Titan Fleischmann, safety Caden Dowler, defensive lineman Kenneth Eiden IV, running back Julius Davis, and defensive lineman Paul Brott;

Whereas 44 players on the Montana State roster are from Montana and embody the State’s values of possessing a strong work ethic, toughness, and dedication;

Whereas, in the national championship game, quarterback Justin Lamson rushed for two touchdowns and threw for 280 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-tying touchdown pass on fourth down in overtime, earning the game’s Most Outstanding Player;

Whereas Taco Dowler, from Billings, Montana, caught eight passes for a total of 111 yards, including the game-tying touchdown catch in overtime.

Whereas the Bobcat special teams blocked a fourth quarter field goal attempt and overtime extra point attempt, preventing Illinois State from taking and extending crucial leads late in the game;

Whereas Myles Sansted kicked the game-winning extra point in overtime to secure a hard-fought victory; and

Whereas the Bobcats were supported at the game in Nashville, Tennessee, by the Spirit of the West Marching Band, cheerleaders, and thousands of faculty members, students, alumni, and fans from around Montana and the United States: Now, therefore, be it