Big Sky Conference football is back, and week zero delivered chaos. On this episode of Big Sky Now, host Luke Schmit is joined by Daily Inter Lake sports editor Fritz Neighbor, Daily Inter Lake sports reporter Jon Allen, Coeur d'Alene Press sports editor Mark Nelke, and Columbia Basin Herald sports reporter Mike Maynard to break down every Big Sky result from week zero and preview the full week one slate.

The Montana Grizzlies survived a scare from Southern Utah in Bobby Kennedy's coaching debut, needing a fourth quarter defensive stand to escape with the win. Cal Poly's Anthony Grigsby Jr. delivered a Friday night thriller against Idaho, Northern Arizona erased a 21-point deficit to shock Eastern Washington, and UC Davis had to claw back from a 21-point hole against Portland State just to survive. Idaho State opened 38-10 but lost star running back Jason Brooks for the season, Weber State outlasted Northern Colorado on a missed extra point, and Montana State handled Utah Tech 54-0. 

Then the panel looks ahead to week one: Idaho travels to face No. 21 Utah just five days after their heartbreaker, Drake heads to Missoula to face the Grizzlies, Northern Arizona gets a measuring stick trip to Arizona, and Weber State meets Southern Utah in the only Big Sky-on-Big Sky matchup of the week. The show closes with the crew's weekly picks segment, where Jon Allen defends his early season lead.

New this season! Play along with us and make your weekly picks in our season-long Pick 'Em. Someone needs to beat Jon! No registration required, and it's free to play: https://qr1.be/D321P8

Chapters
0:00 - Intro
1:38 - Montana Grizzlies Survive Southern Utah Scare
8:01 - Cal Poly Stuns Idaho in Friday Night Thriller
10:34 - Northern Arizona Erases 21-Point Deficit to Beat Eastern Washington
15:10 - UC Davis Escapes Portland State Scare
18:46 - Idaho State Opens 38-10, Loses RB Jason Brooks for the Season
21:15 - Weber State Outlasts Northern Colorado on Missed Extra Point
23:18 - Montana State Blanks Utah Tech 54-0
23:56 - Week 1 Preview: Northern Iowa at Eastern Washington
26:14 - Week 1 Preview: Idaho at No. 21 Utah
28:55 - Week 1 Preview: Drake at Montana
32:56 - Week 1 Preview: Northern Arizona at Arizona
35:12 - Week 1 Preview: Weber State at Southern Utah
36:59 - Week 1 Preview: Idaho State at Utah State
38:23 - Week 1 Preview: South Dakota at Northern Colorado
39:21 - Week 1 Preview: Portland State at San Diego State
39:41 - Week 1 Preview: UC Davis at San Diego
40:01 - Week 1 Preview: Montana State vs Butler
40:16 - Week 1 Preview: Cal Poly at Central Washington
40:38 - Week 1 Preview: Utah Tech at BYU
41:26 - Week 1 Picks and Predictions: presented by Mountain Pass Safes & Coins

Big thanks to Mountain Pass Safes & Coins for sponsoring our Pick 'Em segment!  They are a family-owned business proudly serving the Flathead Valley with a wide selection of high-quality safes ready for immediate delivery - no long wait times. Whether you’re protecting firearms, valuables, or important documents, their safes offer advanced fire protection, reinforced construction, and customizable storage options backed by strong warranties. They also buy and sell gold and silver with a reputation for fair, transparent pricing. Stop by their showroom at 2593 US Highway 2 E Suite 4 in Kalispell or visit https://mountainpasssafes.com/ to learn more.

Thank you to our headline sponsor M&C Tire for their continued support of Big Sky Now! Serving the Flathead Valley since 1979, M&C is your total tire dealer with trusted brands, all at affordable prices. From farm trucks to hybrids, their certified technicians handle it all with unmatched hometown service. Stop by in 1271 N. Meridian Road in Kalispell, call (406) 752-9662, or visit https://www.mandctire.com/ to keep your ride rolling.

Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support

Would you rather watch this episode? Check out Daily Inter Lake's YouTube page! Please like and subscribe to keep up to date with all things Big Sky Conference. 

Email us any questions you may have at [email protected] - you may be featured in our next discussion!

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 zero.

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 show also reads two fan comments from YouTube and closes with the panel's full slate of week zero picks.

New this season! Play along with us and make your weekly picks in our season-long Pick 'Em. Someone needs to beat Jon! No registration required, and it's free to play: https://qr1.be/D321P8

Chapters:
00:00 - Intro 
01:32 - Idaho vs Cal Poly Preview
04:19 - Fan Mailbag: Is Idaho Underrated?
06:13 - Eastern Washington vs Northern Arizona Preview
09:38 - Southern Utah vs Montana Preview
14:07 - Montana State vs Utah Tech Preview
16:40 - UC Davis vs Portland State Preview
18:20 - Cade Penick Named Washington State's Starting QB
18:50 - Idaho State vs VMI Preview
22:19 - Fan Mailbag: Idaho State's Playoff Case
23:10 - Weber State vs Northern Colorado Preview
25:35 - Week Zero Pick 'Em
30:16 - Closing Thoughts 

Big thanks to Mountain Pass Safes & Coins for sponsoring our Pick 'Em segment!  They are a family-owned business proudly serving the Flathead Valley with a wide selection of high-quality safes ready for immediate delivery - no long wait times. Whether you’re protecting firearms, valuables, or important documents, their safes offer advanced fire protection, reinforced construction, and customizable storage options backed by strong warranties. They also buy and sell gold and silver with a reputation for fair, transparent pricing. Stop by their showroom at 2593 US Highway 2 E Suite 4 in Kalispell or visit https://mountainpasssafes.com/ to learn more.

Big thanks to M&C Tire for sponsoring Big Sky Now podcast. Serving the Flathead Valley since 1979, M&C is your total tire dealer with trusted brands, all at affordable prices. From farm trucks to hybrids, their certified technicians handle it all with unmatched hometown service. Stop by in 1271 N. Meridian Road in Kalispell, call (406) 752-9662, or visit https://www.mandctire.com/ to keep your ride rolling.

Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support

Would you rather watch this episode? Check out Daily Inter Lake's YouTube page! Please like and subscribe to keep up to date with all things Big Sky Conference. 

Email us any questions you may have at [email protected] - you may be featured in our next discussion!

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 a breakout candidate, new-coach storylines at Weber State and Portland State, and where Utah Tech and Southern Utah fit as first-year Big Sky members. The show closes with each analyst's preseason offensive and defensive MVP picks and their pick to win the conference championship.

Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
00:33 - Panel Check-In & Offseason Catch-Up
06:38 - Big Sky Conference 2026 Overview: New Teams & Coaches
07:18 - Montana State Bobcats Preview
12:56 - Montana Grizzlies Preview
18:16 - Idaho Vandals Preview
20:07 - Idaho State Bengals Preview
23:29 - Eastern Washington Eagles Preview
27:56 - UC Davis Aggies Preview
29:38 - Northern Arizona Lumberjacks Preview
31:34 - Utah Tech & Southern Utah: The New Additions
33:37 - Cal Poly Mustangs Preview
34:17 - Weber State Wildcats Preview
37:26 - Eastern Washington & Conference-Wide Storylines
39:10 - Preseason MVP & Big Sky Champion Picks
45:15 - Closing Thoughts

Big thanks to M&C Tire for sponsoring Big Sky Now podcast. Serving the Flathead Valley since 1979, M&C is your total tire dealer with trusted brands, all at affordable prices. From farm trucks to hybrids, their certified technicians handle it all with unmatched hometown service. Stop by in 1271 N. Meridian Road in Kalispell, call (406) 752-9662, or visit https://www.mandctire.com/ to keep your ride rolling.

Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support

Would you rather watch this episode? Check out Daily Inter Lake's YouTube page! Please like and subscribe to keep up to date with all things Big Sky Conference. 

Email us any questions you may have at [email protected] - you may be featured in our next discussion!

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 of what the defense knows is coming. LB Ammon Allen talks about the bond growing between the offense and defense this offseason, calling it a necessity for a team with championship aspirations, while sharing what he does to unwind in Flagstaff between hiking, journaling and ceramics. Head coach Wright discusses building resiliency after a difficult 2025 season, the excitement of playing in front of Lumberjack fans at home, and how the team's leadership group and captain vote have shaped the culture heading into fall camp.

Watch the Big Sky Now podcast's panel discussion about their time in Spokane for Big Sky Conference's Media Day: https://youtu.be/181QjRjRo1M

Big thanks to M&C Tire for sponsoring Big Sky Now podcast. Serving the Flathead Valley since 1979, M&C is your total tire dealer with trusted brands, all at affordable prices. From farm trucks to hybrids, their certified technicians handle it all with unmatched hometown service. Stop by in 1271 N. Meridian Road in Kalispell, call (406) 752-9662, or visit https://www.mandctire.com/ to keep your ride rolling.

Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support

Would you rather watch this episode? Check out Daily Inter Lake's YouTube page! Please like and subscribe to keep up to date with all things Big Sky Conference. 

Email us any questions you may have at [email protected] - you may be featured in our next discussion!

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 program. Coach Kennedy talks candidly about the learning curve of managing an entire program instead of a single position group, and what it felt like to be embraced by Griz fans across the state during his spring tour. 

Running back Eli Gilman reflects on his final season in Missoula, playing alongside his brother, and the deep connection he's built with his returning quarterback. Linebacker Peyton Wing, now in year two, talks about settling into his role, the interceptions that defined last season, and what he loves about life in Missoula outside of football - from fly fishing to floating the river.

Watch the Big Sky Now podcast's panel discussion about their time in Spokane for Big Sky Conference's Media Day: https://youtu.be/181QjRjRo1M

Big thanks to M&C Tire for sponsoring Big Sky Now podcast. Serving the Flathead Valley since 1979, M&C is your total tire dealer with trusted brands, all at affordable prices. From farm trucks to hybrids, their certified technicians handle it all with unmatched hometown service. Stop by in 1271 N. Meridian Road in Kalispell, call (406) 752-9662, or visit https://www.mandctire.com/ to keep your ride rolling.

Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support

Would you rather watch this episode? Check out Daily Inter Lake's YouTube page! Please like and subscribe to keep up to date with all things Big Sky Conference. 

Email us any questions you may have at [email protected] - you may be featured in our next discussion!

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, and how one of them built a seasoning brand on the side while staying grounded in Bozeman. Both players talk candidly about the surreal aftermath of winning a national championship - the nonstop phone notifications, a same-day surgery, and the slow process of coming down from that high.

MSU Head Coach Vigen reflects on what the title meant for the Big Sky's national standing and what it takes to chase it again, while the Dowler brothers describe the pressure and joy of being recognized everywhere they go in a state where everybody knows your name.

Watch the Big Sky Now podcast's panel discussion about their time in Spokane for Big Sky Conference's Media Day: https://youtu.be/181QjRjRo1M

Big thanks to M&C Tire for sponsoring Big Sky Now podcast. Serving the Flathead Valley since 1979, M&C is your total tire dealer with trusted brands, all at affordable prices. From farm trucks to hybrids, their certified technicians handle it all with unmatched hometown service. Stop by in 1271 N. Meridian Road in Kalispell, call (406) 752-9662, or visit https://www.mandctire.com/ to keep your ride rolling.

Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support

Would you rather watch this episode? Check out Daily Inter Lake's YouTube page! Please like and subscribe to keep up to date with all things Big Sky Conference. 

Email us any questions you may have at [email protected] - you may be featured in our next discussion!

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, Portland State's new coaching staff, Northern Arizona's expectations and what the additions of Southern Utah and Utah Tech could mean for the conference.

The group also shares behind-the-scenes impressions from conversations with Brent Vigen, Bobby Hauck's successor, Aaron Best, Jason Eck's replacement, Cody Hawkins and other coaches while discussing quarterback battles, transfer portal additions, offensive line depth, preseason favorites, breakout players and early-season games that could shape the Big Sky title race.

Big thanks to M&C Tire for sponsoring Big Sky Now podcast. Serving the Flathead Valley since 1979, M&C is your total tire dealer with trusted brands, all at affordable prices. From farm trucks to hybrids, their certified technicians handle it all with unmatched hometown service. Stop by in 1271 N. Meridian Road in Kalispell, call (406) 752-9662, or visit https://www.mandctire.com/ to keep your ride rolling.

Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support

Would you rather watch this episode? Check out Daily Inter Lake's YouTube page! Please like and subscribe to keep up to date with all things Big Sky Conference. 

Email us any questions you may have at [email protected] - you may be featured in our next discussion!

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 legacy as the winningest coach in Big Sky Conference history, his two tenures in Missoula, and why this retirement felt sudden — yet inevitable.

The discussion also turns to Bobby Kennedy stepping in as Montana’s next head coach, how the Griz are positioned heading into spring ball, and what this change could mean for player retention and competitiveness in 2026. Plus, the crew touches on Big Sky offseason storylines, returning quarterback-receiver duos across the state, and the growing national footprint of Big Sky players at the professional level.

Read Fritz's article about Coach Hauck's retirement on dailyinterlake.com.

Big thanks to M&C Tire for sponsoring Big Sky Now podcast. Serving the Flathead Valley since 1979, M&C is your total tire dealer with trusted brands, all at affordable prices. From farm trucks to hybrids, their certified technicians handle it all with unmatched hometown service. Stop by in 1271 N. Meridian Road in Kalispell, call (406) 752-9662, or visit https://www.mandctire.com/ to keep your ride rolling.

Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support

Would you rather watch this episode? Check out Daily Inter Lake's YouTube page! Please like and subscribe to keep up to date with all things Big Sky Conference. 

Email us any questions you may have at [email protected] - you may be featured in our next discussion!

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 the job on the sport’s biggest stage.

The episode closes with reflections on the 2025 season, favorite moments from around the Big Sky, and what lies ahead as the transfer portal era reshapes the conference.

A huge thank you to Vann Law Firm for sponsoring our Championship coverage of Big Sky Now podcast. Specializing in criminal defense, personal injury, and estate planning, Vann Law Firm provides expert legal support across the Flathead Valley. Their team is committed to clear communication and personalized guidance, helping clients navigate legal challenges with confidence. For a free consultation, call 406-826-6529 or visit https://vannlawfirm.com/

Big thanks to M&C Tire for sponsoring Big Sky Now podcast. Serving the Flathead Valley since 1979, M&C is your total tire dealer with trusted brands, all at affordable prices. From farm trucks to hybrids, their certified technicians handle it all with unmatched hometown service. Stop by in 1271 N. Meridian Road in Kalispell, call (406) 752-9662, or visit https://www.mandctire.com/ to keep your ride rolling.

Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support

Would you rather watch this episode? Check out Daily Inter Lake's YouTube page! Please like and subscribe to keep up to date with all things Big Sky Conference. 

Email us any questions you may have at [email protected] - you may be featured in our next discussion!

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 possession. Despite 14 penalties and extended stretches without the ball, Montana State made the biggest plays when it mattered most - including a fourth-down touchdown and a blocked kick in overtime to seal the championship.

The conversation highlights Justin Lamson’s legacy-defining performance, clutch moments from Taco Dowler, and how Montana State’s special teams once again proved decisive on the national stage. The duo also discusses Illinois State’s halftime adjustments, standout Redbirds performances, and why this game swung on execution rather than statistics.

Finally, the episode puts the win into historical context: Montana State ends the season on a 14-game winning streak and delivers the Big Sky Conference its first FCS national championship since Eastern Washington in 2010.

A huge thank you to Vann Law Firm for sponsoring our Championship coverage of Big Sky Now podcast. Specializing in criminal defense, personal injury, and estate planning, Vann Law Firm provides expert legal support across the Flathead Valley. Their team is committed to clear communication and personalized guidance, helping clients navigate legal challenges with confidence. For a free consultation, call 406-826-6529 or visit https://vannlawfirm.com/

Big thanks to M&C Tire for sponsoring Big Sky Now podcast. Serving the Flathead Valley since 1979, M&C is your total tire dealer with trusted brands, all at affordable prices. From farm trucks to hybrids, their certified technicians handle it all with unmatched hometown service. Stop by in 1271 N. Meridian Road in Kalispell, call (406) 752-9662, or visit https://www.mandctire.com/ to keep your ride rolling.

Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support

Would you rather watch this episode? Check out Daily Inter Lake's YouTube page! Please like and subscribe to keep up to date with all things Big Sky Conference. 

Email us any questions you may have at [email protected] - you may be featured in our next discussion!