Big Sky Now

Kickoff week is here. Big Sky Now host Luke Schmit is joined by Fritz Neighbor, Jon Allen, Mark Nelke and Mike Maynard to preview every Big Sky Conference football matchup in week one.

The panel breaks down a nationally televised Idaho-Cal Poly opener, Eastern Washington's trip to Flagstaff against Northern Arizona, Southern Utah's first Big Sky test at Washington-Grizzly Stadium, Montana State's week zero tune-up against Utah Tech, UC Davis on the road at Portland State, Idaho State's home opener against VMI, and Weber State's first game under new head coach Eric Care at Northern Colorado. The...

Big Sky Now returns with our full 2026 Big Sky Conference football season preview! Host Luke Schmit is joined by Fritz Neighbor, Jon Allen, Mark Nelke and Mike Maynard to break down all twelve teams, from defending national champion Montana State to newcomers Utah Tech and Southern Utah.

The panel digs into Montana State's roster after their national title run, Bobby Kennedy's first season leading Montana, health questions for Idaho's Joshua Wood, Idaho State's "prove it" year with Jordan Cook, Eastern Washington's search for consistency under Nate Bell, UC Davis's wide-open quarterback battle, Northern Arizona's Ty Pennington as...

While at Big Sky Conference's 2026 Media Day in Spokane, host Luke Schmit got a chance to sit down with the University of Montana's new football coach and standout players. Luke talks with starting quarterback Ty Pennington, linebacker Ammon Allen and head coach Brian Wright about improving on last year's numbers, building offense-defense chemistry, and what it takes to turn the page on a tough 2025 season.

Northern Arizona's QB Pennington threw for over 3,000 yards last season. He says the focus this year isn't the stat line - it's efficiency and putting the offense in the end zone regardless...

Host Luke Schmit went to the 2026 Big Sky Conference Football Media Day in Spokane, Washington. Luke got a chance to sit down with Bobcat standouts Caden and Taco Dowler and head coach Brent Vigen fresh off Montana State's national championship season, talking legacy, loyalty and what it takes to defend a title.

Caden and Taco Dowler talk about what it means to represent the state that raised them, and why the in-state pipeline keeps producing impact players for the Bobcats. They open up about resisting transfer portal money to stay loyal to a program and a community...

While at Big Sky Conference's 2026 Media Day in Spokane, host Luke Schmit got a chance to sit down with the University of Montana's new football coach and standout players. New head coach Bobby Kennedy, running back Eli Gilman and linebacker Peyton Wing talk about the transition to a new era of Grizzly football, in-state recruiting, and life in Missoula.

Montana's new head coach opens up about stepping into the top job after years as an assistant, crediting mentors from Bill McCartney to Mack Brown for shaping his belief that in-state recruiting has to be the foundation of...

The Big Sky football season is almost here, and our crew is breaking down everything they learned from the 2026 Big Sky Conference Football Media Day in Spokane, Washington.

Host Luke Schmit is joined by Daily Inter Lake Sports Editor Fritz Neighbor, Coeur d'Alene Press Sports Editor Mark Nelke and Columbia Basin Herald Sports Reporter Mike Maynard after a full day of interviews with coaches and players from across the conference. The panel discusses Montana's new era under Bobby Hauck's successor, Montana State's continued dominance, Idaho's offseason improvements, Eastern Washington's optimism, Idaho State's potential as a dark horse...

Bobby Hauck has officially retired as head coach of Montana football, and on this episode of Big Sky Now, the Daily Inter Lake panel breaks down what it means for the Griz, the Big Sky Conference, and the future of FCS football.

Host Luke Schmit is joined by Daily Inter Lake's sports editor Fritz Neighbor and reporter Jon Allen to unpack the timing and nuance behind Hauck’s decision — from his growing frustration with the transfer portal and NIL era to the ripple effects of signing day, recruiting cycles, and roster stability. The panel reflects on Hauck’s lega...

Montana State is your FCS National Champion! On this episode of Big Sky Now, Luke Schmit is joined by Fritz Neighbor, Jon Allen, and Mark Nelke to break down an unforgettable overtime victory over Illinois State in Nashville — the Bobcats’ first national title in 41 years.

The panel dives into the turning points that defined the game, including Illinois State’s second-half control, the blocked field goal that forced overtime, and the decisive fourth-down touchdown that sealed a 35–34 win. They also discuss what this championship means for Montana State, the Big Sky Conference, and a program that finally finished...

Montana State is back on top of the FCS!

Host Luke Schmit is joined by Daily Inter Lake sports reporter Jon Allen to immediately break down Montana State’s FCS National Championship victory over Illinois State in Nashville on Monday night. The Bobcats captured their second national title in program history, surviving a dramatic overtime battle that tested their discipline, depth, and resilience.

Luke and Jon analyze how Montana State jumped out early, then weathered a relentless second-half push from Illinois State, which outgained the Bobcats in total yards, first downs, rushing yards, and time of...

Montana State is one win away from an FCS national championship, and Big Sky Now is on the ground in Nashville. Host Luke Schmit is joined by Daily Inter Lake sports editor Fritz Neighbor, who joins from Tennessee ahead of the title matchup between the Bobcats and Illinois State.

Fritz breaks down Montana State’s preparation, the fan presence taking over Broadway, and what he learned from media day interviews with Bobcats quarterback Justin Lamson and other key players. The conversation also dives into head coach Brent Vigen’s mindset, how Montana State has reloaded since last seas...

The FCS National Championship is finally here, and the Big Sky Now panel breaks down everything surrounding Montana State vs Illinois State in Nashville. Host Luke Schmit is joined by Fritz Neighbor, Jon Allen, Mike Maynard, and Mark Nelke to analyze the key matchups, coaching storylines, and historical stakes facing both programs.

The discussion centers on Montana State’s dominant rushing attack, elite line play, and championship experience versus an Illinois State team that has powered through four straight playoff road wins. The panel examines whether the Redbirds’ veteran offense and physical run game can neutralize the Bobc...

On this episode of Big Sky Now, Luke Schmit sits down with Ortt to break down Montana State’s dominant postseason run - including the Cat–Griz showdown in Bozeman, the Bobcats’ continued 13-game winning streak, and what separates this year’s team from last season’s national championship squad. Ortt shares what it was like watching the rivalry game as a fan, how MSU responded after losing key leaders from last year, and why the program’s culture hasn’t wavered under Coach Brent Vigen.

The conversation also dives into Illinois State’s improbable playoff run, including their...

The Big Sky Now panel breaks down a pivotal weekend of Big Sky Conference playoff football, including Montana’s road loss to Montana State in Bozeman and Illinois State’s postseason win that sends the Redbirds deeper into the bracket. The crew reacts to what went wrong for the Griz against the Cats, how Montana State controlled the matchup at home, and what Illinois State’s advancement means for the conference on the national stage.

Host Luke Schmit and the panel also discuss the atmosphere in Bozeman, Fritz being boots on the ground at the SuperBrawl, and how th...

This week on Big Sky Now, host Luke Schmit and the panel break down a massive quarterfinal weekend in the 2025 FCS Playoffs for Big Sky Conference teams. The Montana Grizzlies knocked off the South Dakota State Jackrabbits 50–29 behind big performances from their offense, while Montana State topped Stephen F. Austin 44–28. In a surprise upset, Illinois State knocked off UC Davis 42–31.

In a first-ever playoff meeting - Montana faces Montana State in Bozeman this weekend for the Super Brawl! The crew breaks down what both Big Sky teams need to do next to keep their national title hopes alive...

This week on Big Sky Now, host Luke Schmit brings together Fritz Neighbor, Jon Allen, and Mark Nelke for a full breakdown of the second round of the FCS playoffs and a deep dive into the biggest headlines shaping the Big Sky Conference. The panel analyzes Montana’s statement win over South Dakota State, Montana State’s matchup with Yale and the sideline confrontation involving Julius Davis, UC Davis’ huge offensive showing behind Caden Pinnick, and North Dakota State’s stunning upset loss that blew the playoff field wide open. The crew also previews every major quarterfinal matchup, including South Da...

The Big Sky Now panel breaks down everything you need to know heading into Round 2 of the FCS Playoffs — starting with the most dramatic moments from Round 1. Yale’s stunning comeback, South Dakota State’s snow-storm domination, North Dakota’s statement win, and Rhode Island’s fast start all set the tone for a wild postseason.

Luke Schmit, Fritz Neighbor, Mark Nelke, and Mike Maynard also revisit this year’s Big Sky Conference awards, including standout performances from Montana, Montana State, Idaho, and Idaho State. Then it’s on to deep previews of the biggest matchups of the week: Sout...

It was one of the biggest weekends of the season, and Week 13 delivered shakeups across the Big Sky. On this episode of Big Sky Now, host Luke Schmit is joined by Fritz Neighbor, Jon Allen, Mark Nelke, and Mike Maynard to break down Montana State’s Brawl of the Wild victory, playoff positioning, and the final regular-season outcomes across the conference. The crew dives into Eastern Washington’s close to the season, Northern Colorado’s rare win streak snapper, Weber State’s upset over Northern Arizona, and Idaho State’s strong finish behind standout rusher Dason Brooks.

Then it’s...

The Brawl of the Wild is more than Montana’s biggest football rivalry — it’s a lifelong experience that shapes every player who steps onto the field. This week on Big Sky Now, host Luke Schmit sits down with former Montana linebacker Ryan Tirrell and former Montana State safety Rylan Ortt to talk about what it’s really like to compete in this historic matchup.

From childhood friendships in Missoula to battling on opposite sidelines in front of two of the loudest home crowds in the FCS, Tirrell and Ortt break down their journeys, the road to the nati...

Week 12 brought major momentum shifts across the Big Sky as teams fight for playoff position. On this episode of Big Sky Now, host Luke Schmit and the Daily Inter Lake sports panel recap Montana’s strong finish to conference play, Montana State’s statement win at home, Idaho’s tough loss on the road, and key performances from Eastern Washington, Sacramento State, and Northern Arizona.

Then the crew turns the focus to one of the biggest rivalry weeks in college football: a complete preview of Montana vs. Montana State, with matchup analysis, strengths and weaknesses, playof...

It’s crunch time in the Big Sky Conference, and the playoff picture is starting to take shape. On this week’s Big Sky Now podcast, the panel breaks down how Montana squeaked past Eastern Washington, how Montana State continues its dominance over Weber State, and Idaho’s tough home loss to UC Davis.

We dig into the key takeaways from Week 11 and what’s at stake heading into the final weekend of the regular season. From FCS playoff projections to standout player performances and rivalry previews, this episode has everything you need to know before Cat-Griz week kic...

The Big Sky Conference race is tightening — and the Montana Grizzlies continue to roll. Host Luke Schmit of the Daily Inter Lake is joined by the Big Sky Now panel to break down Week 9’s biggest matchups and preview the storylines shaping Week 10. From Montana’s dominant win over Sacramento State and Montana State’s ground game resurgence, to Eastern Washington’s midseason turnaround and UC Davis’ depth — the crew covers every team making waves in the FCS.

Big thanks to M&C Tire for sponsoring Big Sky Now podcast. Serving the Flathead Valley since 1979, M&C is your total...

This week on Big Sky Now, host Luke Schmit and the BSN panel break down all the action from Week 8 and preview a full slate of games in Week 9 across the Big Sky Conference. From Montana’s gritty win over Sacred Heart and Eastern Washington’s statement upset over Idaho, to Sacramento State’s late-game heroics and Northern Colorado’s near miss — we’ve got analysis, reactions, and predictions on every matchup. Plus, a look ahead to key showdowns as Montana, Montana State, UC Davis, Idaho, and Northern Arizona all fight for playoff positioning in the FCS race.

Big thanks...

Montana rallies in a dramatic homecoming comeback, Idaho suffers a shocking home loss, and Northern Colorado stuns the Big Sky with a historic upset. Host Luke Schmit of the Daily Inter Lake and the Hagadone Sports Network crew breaks down Week 7’s biggest moments — from standout performances by Montana’s Eli Gillman and UC Davis’s Caden Pinnick to Sacramento State’s dominant ground game — and preview the key Week 8 matchups that could reshape the playoff race.

Big thanks to M&C Tire for sponsoring Big Sky Now podcast. Serving the Flathead Valley since 1979, M&C is your total t...

Week 6 of Big Sky football didn’t disappoint — from Montana’s thrilling rally in Pocatello to Montana State’s dominant ground game and Idaho’s push for playoff positioning. Host Luke Schmit of the Daily Inter Lake and the panel breaks down every highlight, stat, and standout player, plus NFL updates from former Big Sky stars like Cooper Kupp, Ty Okada, and Rashid Shaheed.

Then, the crew previews Week 7 — including Montana vs. Cal Poly, Idaho State vs. Montana State, UC Davis vs. Northern Arizona, and the battle between Sac State and Weber State. Predictions, insights, and bold calls — ever...

This week on Big Sky Now, host Luke Schmit and the panel break down everything from Week 5 of Big Sky Conference football and look ahead to Week 6. We kick things off highlighting NFL players making their mark from Big Sky programs, including Cooper Kupp (Eastern Washington) and Rashid Shaheed (Weber State). Then we dive into Montana’s huge rivalry win over Idaho for the Little Brown Stein, Cal Poly’s shocking upset over Sacramento State, Montana State’s dominant showing, and other key conference results.

Looking ahead, the crew previews Week 6 matchups, including Montana at Idaho State, UC Dav...

Week 4 brought drama across the Big Sky Conference — Montana rolled past Indiana State, Montana State stalled in the second half, and Idaho let a huge one slip away against San Jose State. Our panel breaks it all down, from Idaho State’s 90-point explosion to Eastern Washington’s first win of the season. We spotlight Big Sky standouts making noise in the NFL, including Cooper Kupp, Rashid Shaheed, Ty Okada, and Alex Singleton. Plus, we preview the start of conference play, highlighted by the Montana vs. Idaho rivalry matchup under the lights on ESPN2. Can the Vandals shock Washington-Grizzly again...

Week three in the Big Sky Conference delivered drama, comebacks, and statement wins. The Montana Grizzlies edged North Dakota in a thriller, Montana State secured its first victory of the season, and Idaho powered past Utah Tech with a ground-heavy attack. We also break down Eastern Washington’s fight against Northern Iowa, preview key non-conference finales, and make our bold picks for week four—including Idaho’s shot at San Jose State. From Griz and Bobcats to Vandals, Eagles, and Wildcats, we cover every angle of Big Sky football as conference play looms.

Big thanks to M&C Tire...

The Big Sky Now team breaks down an action-packed Week 2 of Big Sky Conference football, including Montana State’s overtime battle with South Dakota State, Northern Colorado’s controversial near-upset of Colorado State, and Montana’s gritty home opener. We also highlight Big Sky standouts making an impact in the NFL—like Cooper Kupp, Alex Singleton, and Rashid Shaheed—before previewing a huge Week 3 slate featuring Montana vs. North Dakota in a Top-25 FCS clash, Idaho vs. Utah Tech, Eastern Washington at Northern Iowa, and more.

Big thanks to M&C Tire for sponsoring Big Sky Now podcast. S...

The 2025 Big Sky football season is rolling, and we’re breaking down everything you need to know from Week 1 and looking ahead to Week 2. We start with Big Sky alumni making NFL practice squads—including Patrick O’Connell, Junior Bergen, and more—before diving into Montana State’s tough opener at Oregon, Sacramento State’s struggles, and Idaho’s near-upset of Washington State. Then we preview Week 2’s biggest matchups, including Montana’s season opener, Eastern Washington at Boise State, and the gold rush showdown in Bozeman between Montana State and South Dakota State. Our panel—Luke Schmit, Fritz Neighbor, Jon Allen...

Big Sky Now breaks down an action-packed Week 0 in Big Sky Conference football and looks ahead to an exciting Week 1 slate. The crew dives into Idaho State’s shootout with UNLV, Portland State’s rough 42-0 loss to Tarleton State, and UC Davis’ no-contest against Mercer after lightning struck. Our panel - Luke Schmit, Fritz Neighbor, Jon Allen, Mark Nelke, and Mike Maynard - share their takeaways, biggest storylines, and what these early results mean for the season ahead. Plus, we relive some of the most unforgettable FCS vs. FBS upsets and make our Week 1 game picks, including predictions for Mo...

The Northern Colorado Bears are gearing up for the 2025 Big Sky football season, and offensive coordinator Justin Walterscheid and quarterback Peter Costelli are ready to lead the charge. In reporter Luke Schmit's exclusive Big Sky Now interview, Walterscheid reflects on 17 seasons of coaching experience, lessons from Southern Utah’s championship runs, and how he’s shaping UNC’s offensive identity. Costelli shares his mindset heading into year two, the pressure and poise that come with being a QB, and why chemistry with his offensive line could be the key to success. 

From building culture and handling Big Sky def...

The 2025 season is here, and Big Sky Now is breaking down everything you need to know about the Big Sky Conference. Luke Schmit of the Daily Inter Lake leads the charge with sports editor Fritz Neighbor, reporter Jon Allen, Coeur d'Alene Press' sports editor Mark Nelke, and Columbia Basin Herald's Mike Maynard. We cover preseason storylines, key transfers, and players to watch, plus make our MVP picks, conference champion predictions, and spotlight Big Sky alumni making waves in the NFL. 

We're excited to introduce our new Big Sky Now host! Raised in the Flathead Valley, Luke Schmit g...

The Big Sky Now team reunites to break down everything you need to know before the 2024 Big Sky Conference football season kicks off. From MSU’s offensive line dominance to Sacramento State’s transfer shakeup and controversial preseason snubs, this episode covers the key headlines, bold predictions, and sleeper teams to watch. 

Daily Inter Lake’s Josh Amick, Fritz Neighbor, and Jon Allen break down the Big Sky preseason polls, MVP frontrunners, realignment buzz, and what the return of Southern Utah and Utah Tech could mean for the conference. This episode is a bittersweet one — it’s Josh’s fina...

This week on Big Sky Now, Daily Inter Lake's Josh Amick, Jon Allen, and Fritz Neighbor break down where the top Big Sky Conference football stars landed in the NFL and CFL drafts — and what it means for their professional futures. From Sacramento State’s Jackson Slater and Idaho’s Marcus Harris getting drafted to MSU’s Tommy Mellott and North Dakota State’s Cam Miller heading to the Raiders, we dig into the names you know and the ones you should.

We also discuss Junior Bergen’s special teams fit with the 49ers, Lant Larrison’s potential in N...

The Big Sky Conference is buzzing — and this week’s episode has it all. Daily Inter Lake's Josh Amick, Fritz Neighbor and Jon Allen break down Montana’s spring game, from standout performers to incoming players who made an early impression, and what the Griz can build on heading into fall camp.

The spring transfer portal window is open, and we’re talking about which Big Sky teams might make key additions and where the biggest needs lie. Plus, we’re on NFL Draft watch: Tommy Mellott has met with the Bengals, and his strong pro day showing co...

The spring football season is here, and Big Sky Now is diving deep into what it all means for your favorite programs! Daily Inter Lake's Josh Amick, Fritz Neighbor and Jon Allen return to talk Montana's spring game and what to expect from the Griz’s evolving offensive line and quarterback room. We break down the national buzz around spring games with a Deion Sanders-inspired debate: should these glorified practices turn into real matchups?

Also on deck: top transfer portal moves shaking up the Big Sky, including impact players like Jake Jensen (USC to Montana) and Cardell Wi...

The offseason is heating up in the Big Sky Conference! Sacramento State makes a splash by hiring NBA legend Mike Bibby—but is it the right move? Plus, Northern Arizona women’s coach Lori Payne departs, sparking questions about player transfers. The transfer portal is buzzing, with key players from Montana, Northern Colorado, and Idaho State on the move. And after Big Sky teams’ tough NCAA Tournament runs, what’s next for Montana, Montana State, and Northern Colorado? Tune in for expert analysis on the latest coaching hires, roster shake-ups, and the impact of NIL deals in college hoops!

March Madness is here, and Josh Amick and Jon Allen diving deep into the Big Sky Conference teams heading to the big dance! Montana takes on Wisconsin in a tough first-round battle, while Montana State’s defense looks to slow down powerhouse Ohio State. Can Northern Colorado make noise in the NIT? Will NAU take down Arizona in the WBIT? Plus, we break down the men’s and women’s brackets, highlight potential upsets, and reveal our Final Four predictions. 

Think you can outpick the Josh and Jon? Fill out your March Madness bracket by this Thursday at 10 a...

 The Big Sky Tournament delivered nonstop drama, and hosts Josh Amick and Jon Allen of the Daily Inter Lake break it all down for you! Montana claimed the men’s championship in dominant fashion, while the Montana State women punched their ticket to the NCAA Tournament with a thrilling buzzer-beater win over the Lady Griz. We analyze how both teams stack up heading into March Madness, what went wrong for Portland State and Idaho, and how Northern Colorado could make noise in the NIT. Plus, we look at projected seeding, potential NCAA matchups, and what it all means for the...

The Big Sky Tournament is here, and teams are fighting for their shot at March Madness! This week on Big Sky Now, Daily Inter Lake reporters Josh Amick and Jon Allen analyze Montana and Northern Colorado’s regular-season title share, Portland State and Idaho State’s late-season surge, and Montana State women’s surprising loss to Sacramento State. Can the Bobcats bounce back, or did the Hornets expose a winning formula? Plus, we break down the key first-round matchups, including Weber vs. Sac State and NAU vs. Eastern, and predict which teams will advance in both the men’s and wome...