Daines, MSU Football Celebrate Historic FCS Championship at the White House

• July 29, 2026

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Steve Daines and the Montana State University football team today celebrated their historic FCS championship win with a packed day in Washington D.C. They started off the morning with an interview on NewsNation and then went to the White House to visit with President Trump. Following the White House, the team, including Coach Vigen and President Brock Tessman, were joined by Senator Daines, Senator Sheehy, Congressman Downing, and Governor Gianforte for lunch in the U.S. Capitol, and ended the day with a tour led by Daines.

"There's no better way to celebrate the Bobcat's historic season than by a historic visit to the White House. What a day to be a Bobcat! Every player on this team has worked incredibly hard and it's great to see their efforts paid off. As always, I'm proud to be an MSU alum. GO CATS!" said Daines.

"This is a tremendous honor for our entire university and for the state of Montana. Forty-one years is a long time to wait, and our players, coaches and staff earned every bit of this moment through their hard work and determination all season long. We're grateful for the opportunity to be recognized on a national stage once again," said MSU President Brock Tessman.

"The Montana State Bobcats' National Championship victory was a game for the history books. Watching the Bobcats compete on the national stage and secure an unforgettable one-point overtime win was an incredible moment-not just for the university, but for the entire state of Montana. It is only fitting that this championship team be recognized at the White House. I'm honored to welcome the team to our nation's capital and join in their hard-earned celebration," said Sheehy.

"As a proud father of a soon-to-be Bobcat alum, it is especially meaningful to welcome Montana State's national championship football team to our nation's capital. These players, coaches, and staff represent the discipline and character that define Montana. Congratulations to the entire Bobcat community on a championship that makes our whole state proud," said Downing.

"The Bobcats made all of Montana proud by bringing the national championship home to Bozeman. Their thrilling overtime victory capped an unforgettable season and cemented their place in Montana sports history. It was a tremendous achievement for Montana State University, the Bozeman community and fans across Big Sky Country. The Bobcats earned every bit of this moment, and I appreciate President Trump welcoming them to the White House to celebrate their championship season. Congratulations to Coach Vigen, his staff and the entire team. Go Cats Go!" said Zinke.

"It was great to join President Trump at the White House to congratulate the national championship Bobcat football team for their hard work, discipline, and a commitment to excellence. Coach Vigen and the team continue to represent Montana well on the national stage, it's a great day to be a Bobcat!" said Governor Greg Gianforte.

Daines, Taco Dowler, and Paul Brott on NewsNation

Daines, MSU wide receiver Taco Dowler, and defensive lineman Paul Brott joined Markie Martin on NewsNation- watch the full interview HERE.

Daines, Taco Dowler, and Paul Brott on KSKY

Daines, Taco, and Paul joined Dave Wooten on KSKY radio to preview the White House visit- listen HERE.

Daines and MSU Football at the Capitol

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