The 2025 FCS national champion will be crowned on Monday, Jan. 5, when Illinois State and Montana State face off in Nashville, Tennessee.
The Redbirds have ridden a Cinderella run all the way into the title game, as they entered the bracket with an 8-4 record and without a national seed. Illinois State, who has played on the road in each playoff game this season, upset No. 1-ranked North Dakota State 29-28 in the second round before beating UC Davis and Villanova.
Watch FCS national championship game between Illinois State and Montana State live with Fubo (free trial)
Montana State is coming off a massive 48-23 win over archrival Montana to win its first-ever game against its rival in an FCS playoff game. The No. 2 Bobcats have won three consecutive games against the Grizzlies.
Montana State is looking to take the national championship after falling to North Dakota State 35-32 last season in Frisco, Texas.
USA TODAY Sports is bringing live updates and highlights from the FCS national championship game. Follow along:
Illinois State vs Montana State score
This section will be updated live.
Illinois State vs Montana State live updates
This section will be updated.
Where is the FCS national championship game?
The FCS national championship game between Illinois State and Montana State is being held at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee, where Vanderbilt plays its home games.
The title game was held in Frisco, Texas, from 2010-25, but was moved due to renovations at Toyota Stadium. It’s unclear where the FCS championship game will be held after 2027, when the renovations are complete.
Why is Taco Dowler named Taco?
‘My dad said, ‘What do you want for breakfast, McLean?’ That’s my real name,’ Dowler told MontanaSports.com in 2020. ‘And I said, ‘My name’s Taco.’ And Caden said, ‘My name’s Burrito.’ So Caden was Burrito for like six months and I was Taco.’
Tommy Rittenhouse stats
Illinois State fifth-year quarterback Tommy Rittenhouse ranks second in FCS in touchdown passes and has been one of the most prolific players in FCS this season. Here are his full stats for the 2025 season so far:
Passing: 301-of-470 passing (64%) for 3,257 yards with 36 touchdowns to 12 interceptions
Rushing: 101 carries for 408 yards with seven touchdowns
What time does Illinois State vs Montana State start?
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Date: Monday, Jan. 5
Location: FirstBank Stadium (Nashville, Tennessee)
The FCS national championship game is set for a 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff on Monday, Jan. 5, at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee
What TV channel is Illinois State vs Montana State on today?
TV channel: ESPN
Streaming: ESPN app, Fubo (free trial)
Illinois State vs. Montana State will air live on ESPN, with streaming options available on the ESPN app or Fubo, which offers a free trial.
Illinois State vs Montana State predictions, picks, odds
Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Monday, Jan. 5
Spread: Montana State (-10.5)
Over/under: 57.5
Moneyline: Montana State -450 | Illinois State +340
Prediction: Montana State 38, Illinois State 20
Montana State puts an end to Illinois State’s impressive run to the FCS national championship game, avenging its loss in the title game from last season. The Bobcats rush for over 200 yards in the win.