Big Sky Now

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 Davis at Cal Poly, Northern Arizona vs Montana State, and the Eastern Washington–Portland State clash. Predictions, analysis, and bold takes—here's everything you need to stay locked in on Big Sky football this season.

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!

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, or will the Griz defend their turf? Don’t miss our expert picks, analysis, and storylines that will shape the race for the Big Sky crown. 

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!

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.

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!

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.

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!

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, and Mark Nelke—makes their picks of the week and highlights who to watch as the season heats up.

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.

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!

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 Montana, Montana State, Idaho, and Eastern Washington.

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!

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 defenses to the excitement of opening day in Greeley, this episode offers insider insight into the Bears’ 2025 outlook.

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!

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 graduated from Bigfork High School and the University of Montana. A lifelong fan of football and basketball - especially within the Big Sky Conference - Luke brings hometown perspective and passion to his role as the host of Big Sky Now.

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!

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 final appearance on the pod. We’re incredibly grateful for all of his hard work and wish him the best as he heads to North Carolina! Stay tuned as we welcome our newest sports reporter, Luke Schmit, to the team soon.

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!

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 New England, and how players like Nick Osmo and Brody Grebe could carve out a role in the league. Plus: CFL-bound Keelan White and Hayden Harris bring Canadian flavor to the mix. It’s a full Big Sky draft recap — with insight, analysis, and a few surprises along the way.

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!