Anyone who has spent time in Montana knows the significance of the “Brawl of the Wild,” the annual rivalry between Montana State University and the University of Montana. As the state’s only Division 1 football programs, the Bobcats and Grizzlies have battled it out for generations. The rivalry goes so deep it divides communities, friendships, and even families for one intense matchup each fall.
This season, however, the rivalry reaches unprecedented heights. For the first time ever, Montana’s two powerhouse programs will collide in the FCS postseason semifinals, meeting for the second time this year.
Dubbed “The Super Brawl,” this playoff clash has ignited statewide excitement, with tickets selling out almost instantly, generating a Super Bowl-like atmosphere across Montana. Saturday’s game marks the 125th meeting between the rivals, and with a championship game on the line, the stakes have never been higher.
Brawl of the Wild Set the Stakes
The Bobcats will enter the semifinal rematch with confidence, having defeated the Grizzlies 31–28 on November 22nd, 2025 in Missoula. That victory secured Montana State the Big Sky Conference title, the No. 2 playoff seed, and home-field advantage for this historic showdown.
While Montana leads the all-time series 74-44-5, the rivalry has tightened significantly in recent years, with MSU holding a 12–10 advantage since 2002.
Montana State University Bobcats
Montana State is pursuing its fourth FCS/Division I-AA national championship appearance and its third over the past five years. The Bobcats boast three national titles, 1956 (NAIA), 1976 (Division II), and 1984 (I-AA), and nearly secured another last season.
After making it to the 2024 championship game, Montanans held high hopes for the Bobcats and quarterback Tommy Mellott. Unfortunately, they lost in a devastating 35-32 finish to North Dakota State University. It was a familiar heartbreak, echoing their defeat to NDSU two seasons prior.
University of Montana Grizzlies
The Grizzlies seek their ninth championship appearance and second in the three seasons. Montana owns national titles from 1995 and 2001. They once dominated on the field and the rivalry, despite the schools being established in the same year.
At one point, the Griz went on what Montanans call “The Streak.” During which they defeated MSU for 16 consecutive seasons from 1986 to 2001.
Despite their impressive history, title-game heartbreak has affected the Griz. Montana has come up short six times (1996, 2000, 2004, 2008, 2009). Most recently, in 2023, falling 23–14 to South Dakota State University.
High-Stakes Game
In recent years, both teams have lost to the traditional postseason powerhouses, NDSU and SDSU. This year, however, both teams have already been eliminated. This leaves the Super Brawl winner as the frontrunner to capture the FCS championship in Nashville this January. A Montana win would end a 24-year title drought for Missoula. A Montana State victory would snap a 41-year dry spell in Bozeman.
Even the university media offices are acknowledging the magnitude, with Montana Sports Information writing:
“There are no superlatives, no metaphors, heck, hardly any adjectives that can describe the magnitude of Montana’s football game this week. Simply stated, the No. 3 Griz get a rematch against the No. 2 Cats in the FCS semifinal for a chance to play for a national championship in the 125th meeting between two of the most bitter rivals in college football. Let that sink in.”
For the Bobcats and Grizzlies, history awaits. For Montana, the state is preparing for a semifinal unlike anything it has ever seen, with a ticket to the national championship on the line.
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