Big Sky Now

Daily Inter Lake
Daily Inter Lake
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Football
  • Updated Weekly

Get the latest news on Big Sky Conference football with our Hagadone Sports Network teams in Washington, Idaho, and Montana. Hosted by Daily Inter Lake's sports reporter Luke Schmit. Explore more from the Daily Inter Lake’s podcast network! Keeping Score delivers a front row seat to northwest Montana sports.  News Now covers major stories making headlines in Montana, events to check out, and breaking news for the Flathead Valley and beyond. Deep Dive brings you in-depth stories from across our area. And Side Tracks shares the stories behind northwest Montana's local music, food, and arts culture.

  1. 19h ago

    Northern Arizona Lumberjacks: QB Pennington, LB Ammon & Coach Wright on Building Team Chemistry

    While at Big Sky Conference's 2026 Media Day in Spokane, host Luke Schmit got a chance to sit down with the University of Montana's new football coach and standout players. Luke talks with starting quarterback Ty Pennington, linebacker Ammon Allen and head coach Brian Wright about improving on last year's numbers, building offense-defense chemistry, and what it takes to turn the page on a tough 2025 season. Northern Arizona's QB Pennington threw for over 3,000 yards last season. He says the focus this year isn't the stat line - it's efficiency and putting the offense in the end zone regardless of what the defense knows is coming. LB Ammon Allen talks about the bond growing between the offense and defense this offseason, calling it a necessity for a team with championship aspirations, while sharing what he does to unwind in Flagstaff between hiking, journaling and ceramics. Head coach Wright discusses building resiliency after a difficult 2025 season, the excitement of playing in front of Lumberjack fans at home, and how the team's leadership group and captain vote have shaped the culture heading into fall camp. Watch the Big Sky Now podcast's panel discussion about their time in Spokane for Big Sky Conference's Media Day: https://youtu.be/181QjRjRo1M Big thanks to M&C Tire for sponsoring Big Sky Now podcast. Serving the Flathead Valley since 1979, M&C is your total tire dealer with trusted brands, all at affordable prices. From farm trucks to hybrids, their certified technicians handle it all with unmatched hometown service. Stop by in 1271 N. Meridian Road in Kalispell, call (406) 752-9662, or visit https://www.mandctire.com/ to keep your ride rolling. Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support Would you rather watch this episode? Check out Daily Inter Lake's YouTube page! Please like and subscribe to keep up to date with all things Big Sky Conference.  Email us any questions you may have at podcast@dailyinterlake.com - you may be featured in our next discussion!

    Northern Arizona Lumberjacks: QB Pennington, LB Ammon & Coach Wright on Building Team Chemistry

  2. 1d ago

    Montana Grizzlies: New Head Coach Bobby Kennedy, Eli Gilman, & Peyton Wing

    While at Big Sky Conference's 2026 Media Day in Spokane, host Luke Schmit got a chance to sit down with the University of Montana's new football coach and standout players. New head coach Bobby Kennedy, running back Eli Gilman and linebacker Peyton Wing talk about the transition to a new era of Grizzly football, in-state recruiting, and life in Missoula. Montana's new head coach opens up about stepping into the top job after years as an assistant, crediting mentors from Bill McCartney to Mack Brown for shaping his belief that in-state recruiting has to be the foundation of the program. Coach Kennedy talks candidly about the learning curve of managing an entire program instead of a single position group, and what it felt like to be embraced by Griz fans across the state during his spring tour.  Running back Eli Gilman reflects on his final season in Missoula, playing alongside his brother, and the deep connection he's built with his returning quarterback. Linebacker Peyton Wing, now in year two, talks about settling into his role, the interceptions that defined last season, and what he loves about life in Missoula outside of football - from fly fishing to floating the river. Watch the Big Sky Now podcast's panel discussion about their time in Spokane for Big Sky Conference's Media Day: https://youtu.be/181QjRjRo1M Big thanks to M&C Tire for sponsoring Big Sky Now podcast. Serving the Flathead Valley since 1979, M&C is your total tire dealer with trusted brands, all at affordable prices. From farm trucks to hybrids, their certified technicians handle it all with unmatched hometown service. Stop by in 1271 N. Meridian Road in Kalispell, call (406) 752-9662, or visit https://www.mandctire.com/ to keep your ride rolling. Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support Would you rather watch this episode? Check out Daily Inter Lake's YouTube page! Please like and subscribe to keep up to date with all things Big Sky Conference.  Email us any questions you may have at podcast@dailyinterlake.com - you may be featured in our next discussion!

    Montana Grizzlies: New Head Coach Bobby Kennedy, Eli Gilman, & Peyton Wing

  3. 1d ago

    Montana State Bobcats: Inside the National Championship Hangover with Dowler Brothers & Coach Vigen

    Host Luke Schmit went to the 2026 Big Sky Conference Football Media Day in Spokane, Washington. Luke got a chance to sit down with Bobcat standouts Caden and Taco Dowler and head coach Brent Vigen fresh off Montana State's national championship season, talking legacy, loyalty and what it takes to defend a title. Caden and Taco Dowler talk about what it means to represent the state that raised them, and why the in-state pipeline keeps producing impact players for the Bobcats. They open up about resisting transfer portal money to stay loyal to a program and a community, and how one of them built a seasoning brand on the side while staying grounded in Bozeman. Both players talk candidly about the surreal aftermath of winning a national championship - the nonstop phone notifications, a same-day surgery, and the slow process of coming down from that high. MSU Head Coach Vigen reflects on what the title meant for the Big Sky's national standing and what it takes to chase it again, while the Dowler brothers describe the pressure and joy of being recognized everywhere they go in a state where everybody knows your name. Watch the Big Sky Now podcast's panel discussion about their time in Spokane for Big Sky Conference's Media Day: https://youtu.be/181QjRjRo1M Big thanks to M&C Tire for sponsoring Big Sky Now podcast. Serving the Flathead Valley since 1979, M&C is your total tire dealer with trusted brands, all at affordable prices. From farm trucks to hybrids, their certified technicians handle it all with unmatched hometown service. Stop by in 1271 N. Meridian Road in Kalispell, call (406) 752-9662, or visit https://www.mandctire.com/ to keep your ride rolling. Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support Would you rather watch this episode? Check out Daily Inter Lake's YouTube page! Please like and subscribe to keep up to date with all things Big Sky Conference.  Email us any questions you may have at podcast@dailyinterlake.com - you may be featured in our next discussion!

    Montana State Bobcats: Inside the National Championship Hangover with Dowler Brothers & Coach Vigen

  4. 2d ago

    Big Sky Conference Media Day: Takeaways from Spokane

    The Big Sky football season is almost here, and our crew is breaking down everything they learned from the 2026 Big Sky Conference Football Media Day in Spokane, Washington. Host Luke Schmit is joined by Daily Inter Lake Sports Editor Fritz Neighbor, Coeur d'Alene Press Sports Editor Mark Nelke and Columbia Basin Herald Sports Reporter Mike Maynard after a full day of interviews with coaches and players from across the conference. The panel discusses Montana's new era under Bobby Hauck's successor, Montana State's continued dominance, Idaho's offseason improvements, Eastern Washington's optimism, Idaho State's potential as a dark horse, Portland State's new coaching staff, Northern Arizona's expectations and what the additions of Southern Utah and Utah Tech could mean for the conference. The group also shares behind-the-scenes impressions from conversations with Brent Vigen, Bobby Hauck's successor, Aaron Best, Jason Eck's replacement, Cody Hawkins and other coaches while discussing quarterback battles, transfer portal additions, offensive line depth, preseason favorites, breakout players and early-season games that could shape the Big Sky title race. Big thanks to M&C Tire for sponsoring Big Sky Now podcast. Serving the Flathead Valley since 1979, M&C is your total tire dealer with trusted brands, all at affordable prices. From farm trucks to hybrids, their certified technicians handle it all with unmatched hometown service. Stop by in 1271 N. Meridian Road in Kalispell, call (406) 752-9662, or visit https://www.mandctire.com/ to keep your ride rolling. Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support Would you rather watch this episode? Check out Daily Inter Lake's YouTube page! Please like and subscribe to keep up to date with all things Big Sky Conference.  Email us any questions you may have at podcast@dailyinterlake.com - you may be featured in our next discussion!

    Big Sky Conference Media Day: Takeaways from Spokane

  5. Feb 6

    Bobby Hauck Retires: What’s Next for Montana Football and the Big Sky?

    Bobby Hauck has officially retired as head coach of Montana football, and on this episode of Big Sky Now, the Daily Inter Lake panel breaks down what it means for the Griz, the Big Sky Conference, and the future of FCS football. Host Luke Schmit is joined by Daily Inter Lake's sports editor Fritz Neighbor and reporter Jon Allen to unpack the timing and nuance behind Hauck’s decision — from his growing frustration with the transfer portal and NIL era to the ripple effects of signing day, recruiting cycles, and roster stability. The panel reflects on Hauck’s legacy as the winningest coach in Big Sky Conference history, his two tenures in Missoula, and why this retirement felt sudden — yet inevitable. The discussion also turns to Bobby Kennedy stepping in as Montana’s next head coach, how the Griz are positioned heading into spring ball, and what this change could mean for player retention and competitiveness in 2026. Plus, the crew touches on Big Sky offseason storylines, returning quarterback-receiver duos across the state, and the growing national footprint of Big Sky players at the professional level. Read Fritz's article about Coach Hauck's retirement on dailyinterlake.com. Big thanks to M&C Tire for sponsoring Big Sky Now podcast. Serving the Flathead Valley since 1979, M&C is your total tire dealer with trusted brands, all at affordable prices. From farm trucks to hybrids, their certified technicians handle it all with unmatched hometown service. Stop by in 1271 N. Meridian Road in Kalispell, call (406) 752-9662, or visit https://www.mandctire.com/ to keep your ride rolling. Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support Would you rather watch this episode? Check out Daily Inter Lake's YouTube page! Please like and subscribe to keep up to date with all things Big Sky Conference.  Email us any questions you may have at podcast@dailyinterlake.com - you may be featured in our next discussion!

    Bobby Hauck Retires: What’s Next for Montana Football and the Big Sky?

  6. Jan 9

    THEY FINALLY DID IT! Montana State’s Historic Championship Recap + Big Sky Now Season Finale

    Montana State is your FCS National Champion! On this episode of Big Sky Now, Luke Schmit is joined by Fritz Neighbor, Jon Allen, and Mark Nelke to break down an unforgettable overtime victory over Illinois State in Nashville — the Bobcats’ first national title in 41 years. The panel dives into the turning points that defined the game, including Illinois State’s second-half control, the blocked field goal that forced overtime, and the decisive fourth-down touchdown that sealed a 35–34 win. They also discuss what this championship means for Montana State, the Big Sky Conference, and a program that finally finished the job on the sport’s biggest stage. The episode closes with reflections on the 2025 season, favorite moments from around the Big Sky, and what lies ahead as the transfer portal era reshapes the conference. A huge thank you to Vann Law Firm for sponsoring our Championship coverage of Big Sky Now podcast. Specializing in criminal defense, personal injury, and estate planning, Vann Law Firm provides expert legal support across the Flathead Valley. Their team is committed to clear communication and personalized guidance, helping clients navigate legal challenges with confidence. For a free consultation, call 406-826-6529 or visit https://vannlawfirm.com/ Big thanks to M&C Tire for sponsoring Big Sky Now podcast. Serving the Flathead Valley since 1979, M&C is your total tire dealer with trusted brands, all at affordable prices. From farm trucks to hybrids, their certified technicians handle it all with unmatched hometown service. Stop by in 1271 N. Meridian Road in Kalispell, call (406) 752-9662, or visit https://www.mandctire.com/ to keep your ride rolling. Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support Would you rather watch this episode? Check out Daily Inter Lake's YouTube page! Please like and subscribe to keep up to date with all things Big Sky Conference.  Email us any questions you may have at podcast@dailyinterlake.com - you may be featured in our next discussion!

    THEY FINALLY DID IT! Montana State’s Historic Championship Recap + Big Sky Now Season Finale

  7. Jan 6

    Montana State Wins the FCS National Championship: How the Bobcats Outlasted Illinois State in OT

    Montana State is back on top of the FCS! Host Luke Schmit is joined by Daily Inter Lake sports reporter Jon Allen to immediately break down Montana State’s FCS National Championship victory over Illinois State in Nashville on Monday night. The Bobcats captured their second national title in program history, surviving a dramatic overtime battle that tested their discipline, depth, and resilience. Luke and Jon analyze how Montana State jumped out early, then weathered a relentless second-half push from Illinois State, which outgained the Bobcats in total yards, first downs, rushing yards, and time of possession. Despite 14 penalties and extended stretches without the ball, Montana State made the biggest plays when it mattered most - including a fourth-down touchdown and a blocked kick in overtime to seal the championship. The conversation highlights Justin Lamson’s legacy-defining performance, clutch moments from Taco Dowler, and how Montana State’s special teams once again proved decisive on the national stage. The duo also discusses Illinois State’s halftime adjustments, standout Redbirds performances, and why this game swung on execution rather than statistics. Finally, the episode puts the win into historical context: Montana State ends the season on a 14-game winning streak and delivers the Big Sky Conference its first FCS national championship since Eastern Washington in 2010. A huge thank you to Vann Law Firm for sponsoring our Championship coverage of Big Sky Now podcast. Specializing in criminal defense, personal injury, and estate planning, Vann Law Firm provides expert legal support across the Flathead Valley. Their team is committed to clear communication and personalized guidance, helping clients navigate legal challenges with confidence. For a free consultation, call 406-826-6529 or visit https://vannlawfirm.com/ Big thanks to M&C Tire for sponsoring Big Sky Now podcast. Serving the Flathead Valley since 1979, M&C is your total tire dealer with trusted brands, all at affordable prices. From farm trucks to hybrids, their certified technicians handle it all with unmatched hometown service. Stop by in 1271 N. Meridian Road in Kalispell, call (406) 752-9662, or visit https://www.mandctire.com/ to keep your ride rolling. Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support Would you rather watch this episode? Check out Daily Inter Lake's YouTube page! Please like and subscribe to keep up to date with all things Big Sky Conference.  Email us any questions you may have at podcast@dailyinterlake.com - you may be featured in our next discussion!

    Montana State Wins the FCS National Championship: How the Bobcats Outlasted Illinois State in OT

  8. Jan 5

    Big Sky Now in Nashville: Boots on the Ground before the FCS Championship

    Montana State is one win away from an FCS national championship, and Big Sky Now is on the ground in Nashville. Host Luke Schmit is joined by Daily Inter Lake sports editor Fritz Neighbor, who joins from Tennessee ahead of the title matchup between the Bobcats and Illinois State. Fritz breaks down Montana State’s preparation, the fan presence taking over Broadway, and what he learned from media day interviews with Bobcats quarterback Justin Lamson and other key players. The conversation also dives into head coach Brent Vigen’s mindset, how Montana State has reloaded since last season’s championship loss, and why a fast start will be critical against a battle-tested Illinois State team. The Redbirds arrive riding a dominant road run out of the Missouri Valley Football Conference, setting up a high-stakes showdown between two of the FCS’s toughest programs. Fritz also shares insight on Illinois State’s roster, the national championship atmosphere at FirstBank Stadium, and kickoff details as the Big Sky looks to claim its first FCS title since 2010. Kickoff is set for 5:30 p.m. Mountain Time in Nashville. Watch our full preview and predictions ahead of the game! A huge thank you to Vann Law Firm for sponsoring our Championship coverage of Big Sky Now podcast. Specializing in criminal defense, personal injury, and estate planning, Vann Law Firm provides expert legal support across the Flathead Valley. Their team is committed to clear communication and personalized guidance, helping clients navigate legal challenges with confidence. For a free consultation, call 406-826-6529 or visit https://vannlawfirm.com/ Big thanks to M&C Tire for sponsoring Big Sky Now podcast. Serving the Flathead Valley since 1979, M&C is your total tire dealer with trusted brands, all at affordable prices. From farm trucks to hybrids, their certified technicians handle it all with unmatched hometown service. Stop by in 1271 N. Meridian Road in Kalispell, call (406) 752-9662, or visit https://www.mandctire.com/ to keep your ride rolling. Northwest Montana deserves strong news reporting. Your donation helps continue work like this possible. Learn more at dailyinterlake.com/support Would you rather watch this episode? Check out Daily Inter Lake's YouTube page! Please like and subscribe to keep up to date with all things Big Sky Conference.  Email us any questions you may have at podcast@dailyinterlake.com - you may be featured in our next discussion!

    Big Sky Now in Nashville: Boots on the Ground before the FCS Championship
See All (110)

About

Get the latest news on Big Sky Conference football with our Hagadone Sports Network teams in Washington, Idaho, and Montana. Hosted by Daily Inter Lake's sports reporter Luke Schmit. Explore more from the Daily Inter Lake’s podcast network! Keeping Score delivers a front row seat to northwest Montana sports.  News Now covers major stories making headlines in Montana, events to check out, and breaking news for the Flathead Valley and beyond. Deep Dive brings you in-depth stories from across our area. And Side Tracks shares the stories behind northwest Montana's local music, food, and arts culture.

Information

  • Channel
    Daily Inter Lake
  • Creator
    Hagadone Sports Team
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    110
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Big Sky Now
  • Show Website
    Big Sky Now

More From Daily Inter Lake

You Might Also Like