The Montana Western football team has been ranked third in the 2026 Frontier Conference West Division Football Coaches' Preseason Poll. The College of Idaho leads the poll with 36 points and six first-place votes, followed closely by Carroll with 30 points. Western garnered 27 points and one first-place vote, indicating a competitive field for the upcoming season. Other teams in the poll include Southern Oregon, Eastern Oregon, Arizona Christian, and Simpson. Automatic bids to the NAIA Football Championship Series await division winners.

By the Numbers
  • Montana Western finished third in the West Division in 2025 with a 7-3 overall record.
  • The Bulldogs were first in the Frontier in points per game (43.1) and total offense per game (449.4).
State of Play
  • Montana Western is returning 34 letter winners from the prior season.
  • Two-time All-American Eli Nourse will lead the offense as he returns for his senior season.
What's Next

The Bulldogs will commence their season on September 5 against MSU-Northern, with kickoff scheduled for 1 p.m. MT. This match will set the tone for their pursuit of a division title and potential playoff berth.

Bottom Line

With strong returning talent and a robust offensive record, Montana Western has the potential to exceed third-place expectations in the upcoming season. Consistent performance from key players will be crucial for championship aspirations.