Mike Rider went from Class AA state champion at Billings West in 2006 to walk-on fighting for an opportunity at Montana State. By 2010, Rider was an All-Big Sky Conference safety and a captain for a team about to win its first of three league titles. 

Rider went on to coach defensive backs at his alma mater and now serves as the color commentator for the Bobcat Radio Network and select ESPN+ broadcasts alongside Voice of the Bobcats Zach Mackey.