Two major FCS non-conference matchups have been announced for the Vegas Kickoff Classic games at Allegiant Stadium.
North Dakota State will face Montana State on Labor Day weekend in 2027, and South Dakota State will face Montana on Labor Day weekend in 2029. Game dates, times, and television networks will be announced at a later date.
The 2027 meeting between NDSU and MSU will be on the same weekend as Miami vs. Utah, a previously announced matchup in Las Vegas.
“We’re thrilled to have Montana, Montana State, and Big Sky football showcased on ESPN as part of the Vegas Kickoff Classic,” Big Sky Commissioner Tom Wistrcill said. “Labor Day Weekend is one of college football’s great traditions, and these games will demonstrate that the FCS can deliver marquee matchups in world-class destinations like Las Vegas, while creating a one-of-a-kind experience for our fans.”
“This is a great way to showcase what the FCS is all about,” SDSU head coach Dan Jackson said. “We’re looking forward to the opportunity to play a big-time opponent in what will be a first-class environment and memorable experience for our players and fans.”
“This is another great opportunity to increase exposure for the University of Montana and provide outstanding experiences for our student-athletes. Participating in this showcase event is one more example of how Grizzly football is a national brand, and we are excited and honored to be part of a great lineup of football programs competing in Las Vegas in the coming years,” said Montana Director of Athletics Kent Haslam.
“Labor Day, Las Vegas, college football – it’s the perfect trifecta to celebrate the start of the season,” said ESPN Vice President of Events Clint Overby. “Las Vegas continues to attract high-caliber events and ESPN is proud to work with these great programs and our local partners to kick off the upcoming seasons.”
“After the record-breaking success of our season-opening game last year, it is exciting to announce these future matchups featuring brand-new markets for us with famously passionate fanbases,” said John Saccenti, executive director of the Vegas Kickoff Classic and Las Vegas Bowl. “We look to make this an annual event and we are already working on more matchups to announce.”
