Idaho Vandals defeat No. 7 Montana 42-35 in Little Brown Stein rivalry

Seventh‑ranked Montana returned to Washington‑Grizzly Stadium for its rivalry game with the Idaho Vandals on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.

Idaho captured the Little Brown Stein with a 42‑35 victory, handing Montana its second straight loss.

Montana’s offense, led by quarterback Keali'i Ah Yat’s five touchdown passes, produced 481 yards and 35 points while committing only two penalties, but was held scoreless in the first quarter.

The Vandals scored touchdowns on six of nine possessions, converted 11 of 14 third‑down attempts, and won the time‑of‑possession battle.

Montana tied the score three times in the second half, but a two‑minute drill was stopped by Idaho’s defense, preventing another tie or win.

The loss drops Montana to 5‑3 overall and 3‑2 in Big Sky Conference play; Idaho improves to 2‑5 overall and 2‑2 in conference action.

"After the game I told the team, number one, that I love them. These guys put it all on the line every week and in practice. Today was a failure on my part, and I've got to get my message better. I'll take responsibility for this loss because we have good kids in our program, and they want to do the right thing," said head coach Bobby.