The Montana State Bobcats football program was established in 1897, making it one of the oldest college football programs in the western United States. The team played its first game against the Butte Athletic Club, winning 18-6. Over the years, the Bobcats have become one of the most successful college football programs in the Big Sky Conference, having won multiple conference championships and making several appearances in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) playoffs.