The Montana Grizzlies and Missouri State Bears have decided to cancel their football game scheduled for 2026. The two schools originally had a home-and-home series planned, with games in 2020 and 2021 that were later rescheduled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the 2026 game in Springfield has been called off due to Missouri State’s move to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) in 2025.
Montana will still host Missouri State in 2021 but will pay the Bears $150,000 for canceling the 2026 game. The Grizzlies have no other FBS opponents on their future schedule, while Missouri State has added Marshall and SMU to their 2026 non-conference lineup. This marks the Bears’ first season in Conference USA.
The cancellation leaves Montana with just one non-conference game against Utah Tech in 2026. The Grizzlies’ last FBS opponent was Washington in 2021, which they defeated on the road. Fans will have to wait for future matchups between Montana and FBS teams, as the two schools have agreed to part ways for the 2026 season.
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