Montana State opened their 2026 football season on the road in St. George, Utah, with a 54-0 shutout victory against Utah Tech, according to a August 29 report. This marked the Bobcats' first game since their National Championship victory and their first road shutout in a season opener since 1959.
The Bobcats scored touchdowns from the offense, defense, and special teams. In the first quarter, quarterback Justin Lamson connected with wide receiver Dane Steel for a 55-yard touchdown. Steel finished the game with eight catches for 174 receiving yards. Myles Sansted added a 47-yard field goal as time expired in the first quarter to extend the lead to 10-0.
Early in the second quarter, Xavier Ahrens scored on a 16-yard punt return following a block by Colter Petre. Adam Jones later scored on a two-yard touchdown run, and Sansted added a 33-yard field goal to give Montana State a 26-0 halftime lead.
In the second half, Rylan Schlepp caught a 3-yard touchdown pass from Lamson. Lamson later scored a 6-yard rushing touchdown. After Patrick Duchien entered the game, Carter Dahlke caught a 25-yard touchdown pass. Defensive back Brendon Ross contributed to the scoring with a 28-yard interception return for a touchdown.
During the game, Taco Dowler gained 72 punt return yards, bringing his career total to 1,462 yards and making him the Big Sky Conference's all-time leader in punt return yards.
The game saw several players leave with injuries, including offensive lineman Burke Mastel, defensive lineman Dom Solano, and defensive tackle AJ Tanupo. Defensive lineman Talon Marsh and wide receiver Parker Mady were also late scratches before the game. Montana State is scheduled to play Butler for their first home game on Saturday, Sept. 5.
