Big Sky Breakdown

Montana State junior Taco Dowler set an MSU single-season record for punt return yardage in a season as a sophomore last fall. 

Senior defensive tackle Paul Brott, the latest Montana-made Bobcat to dawn MSU's No. 41 legacy jersey, addressed media.

Adam Jones was the runner-up for the FCS National Freshman of the Year last year. Coming into his sophomore year, he was named the Big Sky preseason Offensive MVP.

Montana State junior offensive tackle Titan Fleishmann, a preseason FCS All-American, addressed the media 

In this week's Akem's Analysis, we will be examining all the schedules for the Big Sky Conference and predicting wins and losses for each team. We will also be discussing Tim Rosario's article, which examines the number of TRUE contenders in each season of FCS football; the numbers are quite surprising. We also predict the FCS Top 25. In the beginning, we look at how many Big Sky players made the #ShrineBowl1000, some big-time names on there, and even some juniors made the list."0:00 - Intro 3:57 - Big Sky Players on the #ShrineBowl1000 List 12:43 - Montana State Defensive Coordinator On The Doubters 19:45 - My FCS Top 25 Prediction 23:05 - My Big Sky Win/Loss Predictions For 2025 35:49 - How Many TRUE Contenders Are In The FCS? 51:59 - Final Thoughts 54:03 - End

In this week's Akem's Analysis, Samuel Akem talk about the nature of "annual opponents" in Big Sky football and what that looks like for each team in the Big Sky Conference. Tom Wistrcill mentioned the concept last week in his time with the media at Big Sky Media Day.Tim Plough commented on one of his young QBs. Have they already found their starting QB for 2025? Late last week, Zack McKinnell tweeted about the transfer of Sacramento State QB Kaiden Bennett, and it sent shock waves across the Big Sky and the entire college football landscape. 0:00 - Intro 1:50 - Big Sky Annual Opponents 19:18 - Montana Hasn't Had A +2,300 Yard Passer in 5 Seasons 29:01 - Donald Trump's College Sports Executive Order 43:38 - UC Davis Starting A Freshman QB? 47:56 - Kaiden Bennett Now at Delaware State 53:21 - Sacred Heart Joining The CAA in 2026 57:33 - Marcus Welnel is UMs NEW “Chief Revenue Officer” 1:03:46 - Final Thoughts 1:05:46 - End

J.T. Reed was an All-Big Sky selection in 2022 who then missed 2023 with an injury and split time coming back from another injury last season.This off-season, the Bobcat OL earned his degree and is expected to be one of the top linemen in the Big Sky. He sat down with Colter Nuanez of Skyline Sports. 

Big Sky Conference commissioner Tom Wistricill took questions after giving his annual address at the Big Sky Kickoff in Spokane, Washington on July 21, 2025. 

Bobby Hauck enters his 14th season between two tenures as the head coach of his alma mater. He sat down with Colter Nuanez of Skyline Sports at the Big Sky Kickoff.

Montana State was picked to win the conference by both the league's coaches and media. Montana State head coach Brent Vigen joined Colter Nuanez of Skyline Sports to preview the 2025 season

In this week's Akem's Analysis, Samuel Akem discusses the 2025 Big Sky Media Day and all the weekend's happenings. Tom Wistrcill addressed the media and spoke about some of the exciting updates coming to the conference in 2025 and beyond. The preseason all-conference picks, as well as the preseason coaches' and media polls, were also discussed. 0:00 - Intro 3:08 - Tom Wistrcill's State of the Conference Address 24:19 - Big Sky Preseason Media/Coaches Polls 32:51 - Big Sky Preseason All-Conference Picks 40:01 - Final Thoughts 41:51 - End

In this week's Akem's Analysis, Samuel Akem discusses Montana's recent decision to opt into the house settlement and what it means for the university's future and its athletics. The change for them was a little last-minute, but in the end, due to the roosting adjustment, they were able to make it work for themselves.Sammy also makes his 2025 preseason award picks for the Big Sky Conference, some may surprise you, and some may be expected. An article was written last week discussing the potential financial distribution numbers Tennessee Chattanooga could have for its athletics in this first year of revenue sharing. 0:00 - Intro 2:23 - Montana Opts Into House Settlement 16:19 - My Big Sky Preseason Award Picks For 2025 24:56 - 319 DI Schools Opt Into House Settlement 30:28 - Projected Financial Distribution In Rev-Share at UTC 44:32 - Sac State Is Dominating In Recruiting 51:30 - Final Thoughts 52:55 - End

In this week's Akem's Analysis, Samuel Akem discuss some of the most pivotal games happening this year in the Big Sky Conference. With many question marks, it isn't easy to know who will shine above the rest this season, but we can look at some of the games and anticipate high drama based on previous seasons. Sammy also delves into what Southern Utah and Utah Tech will bring to the Big Sky in 2026. Their entrance into the conference sparks a lot of discussion about the future. Sac State is still pushing forward with its FBS push, despite being denied by the Division I Council. 0:00 - Intro 2:01 - Pivotal Big Sky Games In 2025 25:03 - Utah Tech & Southern Utah Joining Big Sky Conference 31:52 - 12-Game Regular Season Schedule In FCS 33:17 - Tom Wistrcill To Be Vice President of CCA 36:21 - Sacramento State Still Pushing For FBS In 2026 50:45 - SDSU & UND Officially Opt In 56:03 - Final Thoughts 57:58 - End

Colter Nuanez is joined by Matt Brown of Extra Points newsletter to discuss the latest in Division I sports, including Sac State's continued FBS push and exit from the Big Sky Conference. 

Clay Oven, a redshirt sophomore linebacker out of Billings who was just named the University of Montana football team's No. 37, addressed the media for the first time since receiving his new garment. 

In this week's Akem's Analysis, Samuel Akem discusses his 5 biggest questions for the Big Sky Conference heading into the 2025 football season. There has been a lot of movement throughout the conference. Will the same teams emerge, and if so, will they look the same? Akem will also examine some of the top statistical leaders returning to the conference. One team seems to have retained some good talent. He will also be getting into Colter Nuanez's conversation with Tom Wistrcill on the Big Sky Breakdown (linked below). 0:00 - Intro 2:46 - My 5 Biggest Big Sky Questions Coming Into The 2025 Season 19:17 - The Top Stat Leaders Returning To The Big Sky In 2025 40:44 - Tom Wistrcill On New Changes In College Athletics 55:08 - Buyouts In New House Settlement 1:05:52 - USD Opting In, Sac State Seeking FBS Ind. Approval 1:07:51 - Final Thoughts 1:09:32 - End

Former Montana State and NFL cornerback Joey Thomas, a third round pick in 2004, joins Colter Nuanez to talk about his upcoming induction into the Montana Pro Football Hall of Fame. 

Northern Arizona head coach Brian Wright joins Colter Nuanez for this week's Big Sky Spotlight. 

Montana State rodeo cowgirl Shantell Brewer, one of the favorites at the College National Finals Rodeo in barrel racing, along with national championship qualifying sprinter Peyton Garrison (12:32) of MSU's 4x400 meter relay team joins Colter Nuanez for this week's Montana State Minute. 

Sam Herder of HERO Sports and Bet MGM joins Colter Nuanez of ESPN Montana and Skyline Sports to talk about the current college football power struggle, conference realignment, the House Settlement and much more. 

In this week's Akem's Analysis, Samuel Akem will be examining the Big Sky Conference and discussing where he see the teams ranked in the preseason. We will also examine whether QB proficiency makes a difference in a team's success. The data shows that it may not be as important as some think. Villanova is following the trend of teams leaving the CAA and joining the Patriot League. What does this mean for the CAA going forward? We will also be talking about the NCAA v. House Settlement being approved and all the changes that are coming along with it. There is a new governance model and NIL Go clearinghouse platform.0:00 - Intro 3:41 - My Initial Big Sky 2025 Preseason Poll 12:59 - Is QB Proficiency As Important To FCS Success As We Think? 23:18 - HERO Sports Preseason Top-25 Poll 29:02 - Villanova Leaving The CAA 36:16 - The NCAA v. House Settlement Has Officially Been Approved 55:48 - EA Sports College Football 26 Will Pay Schools For Team Usage 57:40 - ChatGPT Jokes of The Week 1:00:10 - Final Thoughts 1:02:31 - End

In this week's Akem's Analysis, Samuel Akem talks about all the teams in the Big Sky Conference and  strength of schedule. He looks deeply into the previous top-5 teams from the conference last year (UC Davis, Idaho, Montana State, Montana, & NAU), or in other words, all the playoff teams. Also, analysis about Deloitte and the newly formed "NIL Clearinghouse", which will serve as the new governing arm for NIL in college football.0:00 - Intro 3:55 - Toughest Strength of Schedules In The Big Sky 29:00 - NIL, Clearing House, Deloitte, Collectives 52:21 - 16-Team CFP Playoff Proposal 1:01:10 - Final Thoughts 1:02:37 - End 

Montana State quarterback turned wide receiver Tommy Mellott was selected in the 6th round, pick 213 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft by the Las Vegas Raiders.He was profiled by ESPN's Kalyn Kahler for the annual installment of "Prospect X". Mellott and other sources were anonymous until after Mellott was drafted. Kahler talked with Colter Nuanez of Skyline Sports about profiling a Montana folk hero. 

Matt Brown, the creator and author of the Extra Points newsletter, joins Colter Nuanez to discuss the current state of college athletics.

In this week's Akem's Analysis, we will examine Montana and Montana State's last 10 seasons to determine who seems to be on a better trajectory and why. Both teams have seen success, but neither has reached the pinnacle. The New Haven Chargers are joining the NEC. The FCS Oversight Committee has approved 12-game regular season schedules for all FCS teams, and now it just needs to pass. What does this mean for other teams in the FCS?0:00 - Intro 1:16 - Comparing Montana & Montana State's Last 10 Seasons 17:28 - FCS Oversight Committee Approves Moving To 12-Game Schedules Permanently 22:30 - University of New Haven Joining The NEC 28:39 - How Does Sac State Replicate What Notre Dame Has Done? 37:50 - Schools Facing NCAA Punishment For Academics 46:10 - Would NFL Teams Rather Take a G5 Player or FCS Player? 51:52 - Final Thoughts 52:36 - End

In this week's Akem's Analysis, we take a look at the Montana roster and investigate what their potential starting lineup could be. With spring ball done and the transfer portal closed, we can get a pretty solid look at what their lineup may look like in the Fall. Follow along as Samuel Akem goes through what the Montana starters may look like. The Big Sky Conference lost a ton of talent this offseason, and it's important to look at who the top returning players are in the conference. There were a lot of NFL opportunities given to FCS players in the Draft a few weeks ago. Which schools and conferences are getting players to the next level, and why? We look at the numbers that have been reported by Sam Herder at great length. 0:00 - Intro 1:30 - Looking At Montana's Potential Starters For 2025 25:17 - Top 10 Offensive & Defensive Players Returning To The Big Sky For 2025 33:05 - Most NFL Opportunities From Each Conference & School40:07 - Positives From NIL & The Transfer Portal 46:15 - SUU Athletic Director Under Investigation For Potential Title IX Violations51:13 - Final Thoughts

In this week's Akem's Analysis, Samuel Akem discusses about the NFL Draft and his reactions to where a lot of the Big Sky players ended up. Akem also analyses about the interesting situation that Cam Miller and Tommy Mellott are in now, with being on the same team. Also, Sac State still dominating on the recruiting trail amid all the excitement with the draft. They are building a monster, and it seems like it's going under the radar. We will see what they look like once they are finally on the field.0:00 - Intro 1:13 - Draft Reactions & Big Sky Draft Picks/Signees 30:01 - Is The Small School Gap Widening? 33:57 - Shedeur Sanders Slides To The 5th Round 43:35 - Sac State Still Dominating In The Portal 47:30 - William & Mary Joining The Patriot League 55:45 - Final Thoughts 57:07 - End

Montana State wrapped up spring football on April 26, 2025 in Bozeman with the annual Sonny Holland Spring Classic.MSU ran 105 total plays between the Blue and White teams with the White coming out on top, 24-14.Spring game interviews: - MSU head coach Brent Vigen (1:07)- Redshirt freshman DB Carson Williams (10:11)- Redshirt sophomore QB Chance Wilson (13:55)- Redshirt sophomore RB Colson Coon (22:37)- Senior DT Paul Brott (27:00)

In this week's Akem's Analysis, Samuel Akem talk about Todd McShay and his comments regarding Tommy Mellott's draft stock. Idaho picked up a big-time transfer QB out of Fresno State. He had limited playing time, but it's still a solid addition for the Vandals. College football players are beginning to sue the NCAA for additional years of eligibility, which starts a slippery slope for college sports. 0:00 - Intro 1:39 - Aaron Fontes Post About Foot Injury 4:57 - Todd McShay Comments On Tommy Mellott's Draft Stock 8:35 - Fresno State QB Joshua Wood Transfers To Idaho 18:36 - Players Seeking More Than 5 Years of Eligibility 27:33 - South Dakota Football Gutted By Transfer Portal Last Week 32:01 - New Injury Timeout Rules In CFB 41:18 - House Settlement Changing The Numbers 48:38 - 5 Rules To Get Recruited By PVAMU 55:38 - Final Thoughts 56:15 - End 

Montana State is in its final week of spring football. The Bobcats have won two of the last three Big Sky Conference titles. MSU hosts the annual Sonny Holland Spring Game on Saturday April 26 in Bozeman, Montana. Bobcat fifth-year head football coach Brent Vigen joined Colter Nuanez of Skyline Sports to talk about spring football so far. (This video had buffering issues, which affected the sound on Colter Nuanez's voice).Video filmed & produced by Colter Nuanez, Skyline Sports. All Rights Reserved. 

"In this week's Akem's Analysis, Samuel Akem talks about the Montana spring game, and gives his thoughts on what he saw on April 11. Akem also analyzes the RAS (Relative Athletic Score) scores for Efton Chism III and Cooper Kupp, and the comparisons don't just stop at the school they went to. For most of this week's episode, I chat with Zach McKinnell on ALL things going on in college football right now. Zach is one of the best people covering the FCS , and he gives all of his thoughts on what's been going on."0:00 - Intro 1:31 - Montana Spring Game Reaction 11:38 - Cooper Kupp vs Efton Chism III 17:17 - Zach McKinnell Joins The Show 18:48 - Background on FCS Football Central 22:29 - Getting Information At The FCS Level 26:10 - How To Get More National Media Coverage on FCS Football 30:59 - FCS Football vs G5 Football 32:44 - The House Settlement & FCS Football 41:32 - Zach's FCS Conference Rankings 48:09 - Power 4 Schools Paying Buyouts To FCS Schools 54:59 - Nio Iamaleava Reaction 1:03:14 - Dr. Luke Wood AMA on Reddit 1:13:59 - End

Montana hosted its annual spring game on April 11, 2025. Following the action, head coach Bobby Hauck, redshirt freshman wide receiver Brooks Davis and redshirt senior quarterback Jake Jensen broke down the action. 

Ryan Tootell joins Colter Nuanez to discuss a myriad of topics, including how much our kids eat (0:00), Coastal Carolina giving away free concessions (0:56), the slow down of the transfer portal exodus Big Sky men's hoops (9:55), former USA Today All-American DL/LB Solomon Tuliaupupu choosing Montana (22:06), and a discussion about quarterbacks in relation to Griz and Bobcat spring football (32:18). 

Montana State hosted its annual NFL Pro Day on April. A total of eight total Bobcats worked out for a collection of 13 NFL and five CFL scout. Following standout workouts, Tommy Mellott and Brody Grebe addressed the media. The NFL Draft is April 24-26

Brooks Nuanez of Skyline Sports joins Colter Nuanez to break down the recently completed Big Sky Conference basketball seasons with plenty of thoughts on the Griz men and the Bobcat women. Also, a discussion about NFL Pro Day at Montana and Montana State happening later on this week. 

Colter Nuanez sat down with Montana State head women's basketball coach Tricia Binford to rehash her team's record-setting 30-win season and talk about what's next for Bobcat women's hoops. 

In this week's Akem's Analysis, Samuel Akem talks about Montana State not broadcasting their spring game and what it means for them. Solomon Tuliaupupu, a former 4-star recruit from USC, has transferred to Montana, and with his pedigree, he could become a star. Multiple FCS conferences have set scholarship caps in anticipation of the House Settlement being approved. What are the ramifications of a move like that? I discuss all that and more in this week's Akem's Analysis!"0:00 - Intro 1:35 - Montana State Not Broadcasting Their Spring Game 4:52 - SoCon, Big Sky, & CAA Set Scholarship Caps 8:57 - Saint Francis Reclassifying From D-I to D-III 15:14 - Andrew Luck Let's Troy Taylor Go 22:21 - Can You Be A Fan of a School You Didn't Attend? 26:35 - Former 4-Star Recruit Solomon Tuliaupupu Transfers To Montana 30:06 - FBS Oversight Committee Denies Deion Sanders & Fran Brown 35:28 - Final Thoughts 36:33 - End

Lan Larison is the record holder of UC Davis' single-season all-purpose (2,387) and career all-purpose yards (6,504). After amassing all that success during his college career, he is now looking to parlay that into an NFL career, and he seems to have all the right ingredients. With great running back ability coupled with excellent receiving ability, he is a prime weapon that can be dangerous in today's modern NFL. He looks forward to his pro day and the draft to see what team is willing to give him an opportunity. He sat down with Samuel Akem of Skyline Sports to talk about the future. 

In this week's Akem's Analysis, Samuel Akem talked about Thomas Ford Jr. and his thoughts on how he think his first season in Moscow will go. Fran Brown is talking about some of the NIL initiatives he is implementing at Syracuse and he is doing amazing things that other schools could imitate. The NCAA is making a change to how high school athletes negotiate NIL in the process of choosing a school. Sammy discusses all this and more in this week's episode.0:00 - Intro 1:53 - Tournament Reaction For Montana MBB & MSU WBB 10:57 - Are Cinderella Teams Gone Forever? 17:14 - Coach Thomas Ford Jr. At Idaho 25:35 - NCAA To Allow Athletes To Sign Contracts Before Commitment 30:19 - Justin Lamson Joins MSU Bobcats Football Team 36:10 - EA CFB 26 Will Pay Athletes $1,500 For Opting In 39:19 - Coach Fran Brown Is Doing NIL Right 45:27 - Sac State Plans To Make Announcement Soon 47:20 - Hot Takes or Real Talk? 54:44 - Final Thoughts 56:47 - End

Brooks Nuanez, the co-founder of Skyline Sports, joins Blake Hemsptead to talk about the history of Skyline, his passion for photography and much more. 

Montana State head coach Tricia Binford along with senior Esmeralda Morales and sophomore Natalie Picton addressed the media following MSU's 71-51 loss to Ohio State in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Friday in Columbus, Ohio. 

Montana State standouts Esmeralda Morales, Marah Dykstra and Katelynn Martin along with head coach Tricia Binford address the media leading up to their first round NCAA Tournament game against Ohio State in Columbus, Ohio on Friday afternoon. 

Montana head coach Travis DeCuire along with seniors Kai Johnson and Te'Jon Sawyer addressed the media following 85-66 loss to Wisconsin in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. 

Montana 11th-year head coach Travis DeCuire hosted a press conference at the NCAA Tournament in Denver, Colorado on March 19, 2025. 

Montana seniors Brandon Whitney, Joe Pridgen and Kai Johnson addressed the media about their first-round NCAA Tournament matchup against the University of Wisconsin. 

Montana State senior Esmeralda Morales addressed the media following MSU drawing a No. 13 seed. The Bobcats will play No. 4 Ohio State in Columbus, Ohio on Friday. Morales was the Big Sky Conference regular-season and tournament MVP. 

Montana head coach Travis DeCuire addressed the media following his team drawing a No. 14 seed in the NCAA Tournament. The Griz will play No. 3 Wisconsin in Denver on Thursday. 

Kyle Hansen, a multi-media journalist and the sideline reporter for Griz football games for KPAX Television in Missoula and Scripps Sports, talks about the ins and outs of what he does with Blake Hempstead of Skyline Sports.