The 2025 FCS football championship features a historic matchup between Illinois State Redbirds and Montana State Bobcats, both vying for their first national title. The Redbirds, who reached the final for the first time since 2014, upset No. 1 North Dakota State in the quarterfinals and defeated Villanova in the semifinals. Led by coach Brock Spack, Illinois State's key players include quarterback Tommy Rittenhouse, running back Victor Dawson, and star receiver Daniel Sobowicz. Meanwhile, Montana State, seeking its first title since 1984, advanced by defeating archrival Montana in the semifinals, riding a 13-game winning streak. Coach Brent Vigen's team boasts standout linebacker Tye Niekamp and quarterback Troy Andersen. The championship game is scheduled for January 5 at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee, with Montana State favored to end a 41-year drought. Fans across the nation are hosting watch parties, including locations in Illinois, Georgia, Texas, and Colorado, to celebrate this historic first-time matchup for the FCS crown.