The Montana Football Pipeline: 5 NFL Stars And The College Phenoms Driving The 2025 FCS Playoff Hunt

As of December 2025, the state of Montana is experiencing one of its most dominant football seasons in recent history, proving that the Big Sky Country is a legitimate pipeline for elite talent. The focus is split between the ongoing, thrilling FCS Playoff race—where both the Montana Grizzlies and the Montana State Bobcats are deep into the Quarterfinals—and the impressive performance of former Big Sky players making a massive impact across the National Football League (NFL).

This article dives deep into the current landscape of 'football player montana,' highlighting the college stars who are dominating the present and the NFL alumni who are cementing Montana's legacy as a breeding ground for tough, high-motor professional athletes. The success of the state's two flagship programs, the Griz and the Bobcats, is directly fueling the NFL Draft conversation, making this year a must-watch for scouts and fans alike.

The 2025 NFL Pipeline: Montana's Active Stars and Their Latest Status

The transition from the rugged fields of the Big Sky Conference to the intense competition of the NFL is a testament to the quality of coaching and player development in Montana. Several players with roots in Missoula and Bozeman are currently making headlines during the 2025 NFL season. Here is a look at the most prominent players and their recent updates:

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1. Alex Singleton (Linebacker, Denver Broncos)

• College: Montana State Bobcats
• Current Team: Denver Broncos
• Position: Inside Linebacker (ILB) / Outside Linebacker (OLB)
• Height/Weight: 6'2", 240 lbs
• 2025 News: Singleton has continued his career as one of the NFL's most consistent tacklers, frequently leading the Broncos in defensive stops. In a display of incredible resilience and toughness, he recently underwent surgery for testicular cancer following a Week 10 victory, yet was quickly set to suit up for Week 13 action in late November 2025. His story has become an inspirational highlight of the 2025 NFL season.

2. Will Dissly (Tight End, Los Angeles Chargers)

• College: Montana Grizzlies
• Current Team: Los Angeles Chargers
• Position: Tight End (TE)
• 2025 News: After a notable start to his career, Dissly is currently contributing as a key component of the Los Angeles Chargers' tight end unit for the 2025 season. His reliable blocking and receiving skills, honed during his time with the Griz, make him a valuable asset in the Chargers' offense.

3. Troy Andersen (Linebacker, Atlanta Falcons)

• College: Montana State Bobcats
• Current Team: Atlanta Falcons
• Position: Linebacker (LB)
• 2025 News: The former second-round pick and versatile star has been dealing with an injury during the 2025 season. Andersen was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, meaning his earliest return to the Falcons' active roster was Week 6 (October 13, 2025). His return is highly anticipated as he is a foundational piece of the Falcons' defense.

4. Daniel Hardy (Outside Linebacker, Chicago Bears)

• College: Montana State Bobcats
• Current Team: Chicago Bears
• Position: Outside Linebacker (OLB) / Edge
• 2025 News: Hardy, originally a seventh-round pick of the Los Angeles Rams in 2022, is now playing for the Chicago Bears in the 2025 season. He is a testament to the depth of talent coming out of Bozeman, contributing on defense and special teams for the Bears.

The 2025 FCS Playoff Race: Montana vs. Montana State Dominance

The most pressing and exciting news in the state is the simultaneous success of the two biggest football programs: the University of Montana Grizzlies and the Montana State University Bobcats. Both teams are currently among the final eight teams in the FCS Playoffs, with Quarterfinal matchups scheduled in December 2025. This intense level of success has put the national spotlight squarely on Big Sky Country.

Montana Grizzlies: The High-Powered Offense

The Montana Grizzlies, based in Missoula, have been driven by an explosive offense. Their success is a direct result of several key players who have earned national recognition:

• Michael Wortham (Wide Receiver): The redshirt senior has been a true star, earning FCS Player of the Week honors and putting up monster numbers in 2025, including 938 receiving yards and 66 receptions. Wortham's dynamic playmaking ability is a constant threat to opposing defenses.
• Eli Gillman (Running Back): Gillman has provided the ground attack stability, rushing for over 1,000 yards in the 2025 season. His consistent production balances the Griz passing game, making them incredibly difficult to defend.

The Griz's ability to survive tough games, including a close win over Eastern Washington, has shown their championship mettle as they march toward the FCS Semifinals.

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Montana State Bobcats: The Dual-Threat Dynamo

The Montana State Bobcats, led by Head Coach Brent Vigen in Bozeman, have matched their rival's success with a dominant run. Their season is highlighted by an unprecedented winning streak and the performance of their star quarterback.

• Tommy Mellott (Quarterback): Mellott cemented his legacy by winning the prestigious Walter Camp FCS Player of the Year Award. The dual-threat quarterback led the Bobcats to a school-record 13th straight win and has been a force in the playoffs, setting career highs in a recent playoff victory with 300 yards passing and four touchdowns. Mellott is a legitimate NFL Draft prospect whose performance is being closely monitored by scouts.

The Bobcats’ stout defense, often pitted against the Griz's high-powered offense in the "Brawl of the Wild," has been a massive factor in their success, complementing Mellott's dynamic play.

The Brawl of the Wild: An Enduring Legacy

The rivalry between the Montana Grizzlies and the Montana State Bobcats, known as the "Brawl of the Wild," is arguably one of the most intense and historic rivalries in all of American sports. This annual battle divides the entire state of Big Sky Country and is a central piece of the "football player montana" identity.

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Dating back to 1897, the rivalry has seen 123 matchups, with the Grizzlies holding the all-time series lead with a record of 74-43-5 before the 2025 game. The passion of this rivalry fuels the high-level play seen in the Big Sky Conference and is a primary driver for the development of NFL-ready talent. The pressure of playing in the Cat-Griz game prepares these athletes for the biggest stages, whether that's the FCS Quarterfinals or the professional game.

Montana's NFL Hall of Famers and Legends

The current crop of players stands on the shoulders of giants. Montana has a rich history of sending elite talent to the NFL, including Hall of Famers like Jan Stenerud (Kicker) and Jerry Kramer (Guard), both of whom are considered among the best to ever play their respective positions.

Other notable NFL alumni who have carried the Montana banner include:

• Kroy Biermann: Former Atlanta Falcons defensive end and a dominant Griz pass rusher.
• Trumaine Johnson: A former star cornerback for the Los Angeles Rams, drafted in the first round.
• Marc Mariani: A versatile return specialist and wide receiver for the Tennessee Titans.
• Scott Gragg: A long-time offensive tackle for the New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers.

The enduring legacy of these players, combined with the current success of the 2025 FCS playoff teams and the impact of active NFL players like Alex Singleton and Will Dissly, ensures that the Montana football pipeline remains a powerful and relevant force in the national sports conversation.