National Champions by an extra point,
WATCH: Montana State wins FCS Championship with extra-point originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Illinois State and Montana State were tied 28-28 after regulation in the 2026 FCS national championship game, leading to overtime in Nashville. However, a blocked extra point kick by Montana State put Illinois down by one point just seconds into overtime. That one-point difference was all Montana State needed to seal it.
Montana State wins the FCS National Championship with an extra point
Montana State seized the opportunity, needing just an extra point from a touchdown to secure the win, and they did just that. The win gives Montana State its first national title since 1984, cap off its dominant season in FCS play.
WHAT A GAME‼️
— ESPN (@espn) January 6, 2026
Montana State wins its first FCS title in 41 years! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/glszP0j9bj
Montana State held the lead for most of the first half until Illinois made a halftime adjustment and rallied back onto the field. Illinois scored 14 points in the third quarter and added another 14 in the fourth, erasing a 21-point deficit to tie the game at 28-28 by the end of regulation. But it all came down to an extra point when all was set and done.
Montana State blocks Illinois State's potential go-ahead field goal 🤯 pic.twitter.com/Flo8JUW7su
— ESPN (@espn) January 6, 2026
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