Northern Arizona University (NAU) football will face Montana State on September 26 in a nationally televised game on ESPN2. This marks the second consecutive season that NAU will feature on national TV, showcasing its match against the defending FCS national champions. The game, set for 7:30 p.m. MST, is one of five Big Sky games selected for linear networks this year, highlighting a growing exposure for the conference. NAU has not regularly appeared on ESPN's networks since 1988 and aims to leverage this opportunity against a team on a 14-game winning streak.

By the Numbers
  • NAU's matchup against Montana State is their second consecutive game featured on national TV.
  • Montana State holds a 14-game winning streak heading into the 2026 season.
State of Play
  • NAU's last appearance on ESPN's linear networks was a game against Idaho last season.
  • This game will be only the third matchup in Bozeman since 2016, with Montana State winning the previous two home meetings.
What's Next

The Lumberjacks will seek to break a defeat streak against Montana State and showcase their talent on national television, which could influence future recruiting and program visibility. Upcoming pre-season preparations will be critical for setting the tone before the game on September 26.

Bottom Line

The NAU-Montana State clash represents a pivotal moment for the Lumberjacks, providing an opportunity to enhance their visibility and compete against a top-tier program. This game could redefine NAU's trajectory in the FCS landscape if they perform well on the big stage.