ESPN MT Daily

Colter Nuanez is live from Nashville to set the stage for the FCS National Championship, wrapping up his on-site coverage with final thoughts before kickoff. He’s joined first by former Montana Grizzlies receiver Sammy Akem, then by former Montana State player and coach Mike Rider, as they break down today’s matchup between Montana State and Illinois State and lay out exactly what to watch for when the title game kicks off. (1:14)

Next, Colter sits down with Kelly Davis — a Butte native and member of Montana State’s 1984 national championship team — to reflect on his own championship run and what it would mean to pass that legacy on to the next generation of Bobcats. (28:40)

And with kickoff just minutes away, Colter closes the show with his final thoughts before the FCS national title is decided. (44:47)

In the second hour of Nuanez Now, Colter and Brooks Nuanez continue their preview of the upcoming FCS National Championship. Hear from Montana State head coach Brent Vigen and Illinois State head coach Brock Spack as they share their thoughts on each other’s teams and the matchup ahead. 

Then, Colter catches up with Montana State junior right guard Titan Fleishmann, who reflects on the experience of playing in a second straight national championship and what this run means for the Bobcats. (29:38)

Colter Nuanez is live in Nashville ahead of the FCS National Championship, where Montana State takes on Illinois State. Colter and Brooks Nuanez break down the Bobcats’ impressive rebuild from last season, how they’ve powered their way to a second straight national title appearance, and what’s fueling this championship run. Plus, the guys share their analysis and expectations for a tough Illinois State team as kickoff approaches. (1:11)

Then, Colter highlights the strong Missoula presence on the championship stage, spotlighting Montana State running back Adam Jones, defensive end Zac Crews, and several other Missoula-area standouts competing for a national title. (31:30)

Finally, Colter sits down with Travis Niekamp, former Montana special teams and linebackers coach and now Illinois State defensive coordinator, to discuss the matchup, what it’s like coaching his own sons at this level, and what it means to coach against a program with deep Montana roots. (38:14)

On this week’s ESPN Roundtable, Colter Nuanez sits down with Missoula native and Montana State running back Adam Jones to discuss the Bobcats’ impressive season and what it means to compete for a national championship. Jones shares insight into the team’s journey, the mindset heading into the title game, and the pride of representing Montana on college football’s biggest stage. (17:08)

Next, Colter reacts to an intriguing tweet from Montana quarterback Kealiʻi Ah Yat announcing his return to the Grizzlies next season, then is joined by Brooks Nuanez to break down additional transfer news and roster movement coming out of Griz Country. (35:38)

On the first hour of Nuanez Now, Colter Nuanez is joined by FCS Insider Sam Herder to break down Montana’s season—one that featured flashes of dominance but ultimately left fans wanting more. The two discuss what went right, what fell short, and how the Grizzlies stack up on the national FCS stage. Colter and Sam also preview the FCS National Championship matchup between Montana State and Illinois State, analyzing key matchups, major storylines, and what’s at stake in the title game. (8:12)

Next, Colter provides updates on both Montana and Montana State men’s and women’s basketball, breaking down recent results and where each program stands. (38:11)

To close out the hour, Colter discusses the news of Glacier High standout flag football quarterback Karley Allen becoming the first woman from Montana to continue her flag football journey at the collegiate level. (51:06)

Hour 2 of Nuanez Now kicks off with Colter Nuanez welcoming Montana State play-by-play voice Keaton Gillogly for an in-depth conversation on the Bobcats. The two discuss Montana State’s impressive rebuild from last season to now, the program’s sustained success this year, and the impact of head coach Brent Vigen in leading the Bobcats to another championship run. (1:31)

The hour continues with Colter featuring interviews with Illinois State senior quarterback Tommy Rittenhouse and junior linebacker Tye Niekamp, as they reflect on their remarkable journey to the FCS National Championship and making history as the only team to win four straight road games on the path to the title game. (27:52)

Hour 1 of Nuanez Now opens with Colter Nuanez recapping his Christmas week before shifting focus to Montana State’s national championship matchup. Colter breaks down Illinois State’s remarkable postseason run, highlighted by four straight road wins — including a stunning upset of heavy favorite North Dakota State — and what it means for the Bobcats heading into the title game.

The hour continues with an in-depth interview featuring Colter’s brother, Brooks Nuanez, as they discuss Montana State’s rebuild last season and the journey that led the Bobcats back to the national championship stage. (32:27)

The hour wraps up with Colter featuring interviews with Montana State seniors Paul Brott and JT Reed, who share their preparation and emotions heading into the final game of their college football careers, along with their thoughts on the championship matchup against Illinois State. (41:47)

The conversation continues as Colter Nuanez and former Radio Sportscaster of the Year Ryan Tootell dive further into the aftermath of Montana State’s emphatic win over Montana. With the rivalry rematch in the rearview, the focus shifts to what the Bobcats’ performance means as they prepare for the National Championship, and where the Grizzlies go from here.

This episode features insight and reaction from Montana State head coach Brent Vigen, Montana head coach Bobby Hauck, along with player perspectives from Michael Wortham and TJ Rausch. Colter and Ryan break down key takeaways, standout moments, and the broader impact this result has on both programs and the FCS landscape.

Colter Nuanez is joined by close friend and former Montana Radio Sportscaster of the Year Ryan Tootell to break down one of the biggest games in Montana football history. The highly anticipated rematch between Montana and Montana State lived up to the hype—and then some—as the Bobcats delivered a statement win, punching their ticket to the National Championship.

The duo dives deep into what went right for the Cats, what went wrong for the Grizzlies, and how this rivalry showdown reshaped the FCS landscape. Plus, hear exclusive reactions and insight from Montana State head coach Brent Vigen, Montana head coach Bobby Hauck, and Bobcat standout Taco Dowler.

On the second hour of Nuanez Now, Colter is joined by Ty Gregorak, a coach with unique perspective on the rivalry who has been on both sidelines of the matchup.

Gregorak, who served as a defensive coordinator in 15 Brawl of the Wild games, shares his thoughts on the Super Brawl, breaking down the matchup from a coach’s point of view while also reflecting on the historical significance of one of the biggest games in Montana sports history.