How the MSU Bobcats, the Bobcat Club and hometown roots fuel a championship push
By Leslie Kilgore EBS STAFF
Editor’s note: This series is part of a partnership with Montana State University.
In Bozeman this fall, the roar of Bobcat nation isn’t just coming from the stands, it’s echoing through the locker room, the practice fields and into the broader community through the support of the Bobcat Club.
As Montana State University’s football program continues with another ambitious and successful season, two team members stand out: wide receiver and return-specialist Taco Dowler, and defensive back and team-captain-in-the-making Caden Dowler. The brothers often speak to how Montana State’s resurgence is intertwined with community support, player leadership, hometown talent and the energy that comes from the fans.
“We didn’t want to sway each other to be on the same college team together, and we didn’t really talk about it at all to each other,” Taco said. “And then, it kind of all flipped when we came to a Gold Rush game here at MSU, I think, in 2021. And that game was just so electric. We were just sitting up there together on a visit, and we were like, yeah, all right, we’re coming here. And from that moment, we were 100% all-in.”
Along with the energy that comes from the Bobcat Club, the scholarship fundraising arm of Montana State athletics, which is the integral part of supporting all student-athletes.
Coach Brent Vigen, who led the Cats to MSU’s first Big Sky title in a decade, captured the most points ever scored by the Bobcats in a Cat-Griz game, and in 2024 won all 15 games before falling in the national championship game. He acknowledges that the program’s ascent is not simply about wins and historic records, but it is harnessing the institutional support that the Bobcat Club helps galvanize is an integral part of the program.
“I know this [football] program matters to a lot of people,” Vigen said. “There’s a storied tradition. This program matters, and that’s why you want to be a part of it.”
Vigen added that the most significant aspect of being a Bobcat is the college degree that his players, and all the MSU athletes, earn during their four years in Bozeman.
“For all of our student athletes, the value of getting their college degree is significant and more valuable to their futures. Continuing to have that be the foundation of how we can support them, I think, is critical.” Vigen said. “We need to support scholarships. That’s what the Bobcat Club is meant to do. Especially as the potential for our scholarships continues to grow, not only in numbers, but in costs, and also with our recruiting efforts.”
The Bobcat Club’s financial support for student athletes is measurable. Under Vigen’s leadership, Montana State has posted a .887 winning percentage, including two national championship game appearances and four straight postseason berths. Vigen has always emphasized how community support and engagement help sustain the Bobcat’s program year‐round, not just on game day.
And that matters. For a team where in-state talent is prized, the Bobcat Club helps retain and develop Montana players, anchors the program in Bozeman, and offers a springboard for broader ambitions. According to several team leaders, the players notice the Club’s efforts.
The Dowler brothers
From Billings West High School, Taco Dowler arrived at Montana State with hometown expectations, and he’s been delivering. As a return specialist and inside receiver, he has carved out a niche.
As a Bobcat, the opportunity has translated into big plays beyond the field. Taco is committed to community service, hosting youth football camps and encouraging Montana’s youth to follow in his and his brother’s footsteps at MSU. While also continuing his family’s tradition of elite athletic ability and a hometown connection that keeps the team rooted in Montana.
“Obviously, one of the most important parts of being a Bobcat is being here with Caden,” Taco said. “He’s been on every team with me. Everything’s a competition with us, but we’re also each other’s biggest supporters, and I’m his biggest fan for sure. He’s my best friend and he’ll always be my best friend and that’s built in.”
Caden Dowler has been anchoring the secondary for the Bobcats, overcoming injuries to emerge as a team captain and defensive standout. His hard work, humble approach, and Bobcat pride shine through in everything he does, and is an example for younger players on and off the field.
“Coming here and being a Bobcat, you realize how much bigger it is than what we thought it was, you know, growing up,” Caden said. “It’s really cool for us both to be a part of it, and we get to see the support around Bozeman, and around Montana.”
Caden added that it’s not just playing football at MSU that makes being a Bobcat so important to him.
“We definitely have, I think, the best coaching staff in the FCS in the country. But they really focus a lot on making us better people and not just better football players,” Caden said. “And obviously, it’s a great school, and I focus on that as much as I can. Football has always been a big thing in our family, but being here with Taco, watching him catch touchdowns. I wouldn’t want it any other way.”
When putting it all together, with a strong institutional foundation through the Bobcat Club and a nationally-recognized coaching staff, Montana State is positioning itself not just for seasonal success, but sustainable prominence. It’s not just a fleeting moment, but a program and a community acting in tandem.
As the coaching staff and team members often mention, supporting the Bobcats isn’t just about tailgates and tickets, it’s about reinforcing a larger ecosystem of Montana talent, community investment and a winning tradition.
“I think our university does a great job of preparing our guys for life after their college experience, as does our community,” Vigen said. “I think that’s the biggest thing our guys leave with, you know, this football program, but also a university degree. MSU has set them up to be successful in life.”
With the ever-changing landscape of athletics, it’s more important than ever to continue building a strong foundation for student-athletes to succeed. To maintain the high caliber of student-athletes at MSU, fundraising efforts remain both necessary and impactful. Scholarships continue to be the top priority for MSU Athletics, providing essential support that allows our student-athletes to thrive on and off the field. Donate now at msubobcats.com
The Bobcat Club: Fueling Montana State’s athletics
The Bobcat Club is the official fundraising organization for Montana State University athletics.
Its mission: to provide scholarship support for over 400 student-athletes across all sports.
Funds raised go directly toward tuition, housing and athletic development, helping Montana State compete at a national level while staying rooted in community values.
Scholarships: $3 million in annual contributions fund athletic scholarships
Facilities: In August hosted a grand opening of the new indoor practice facility, the Kennedy-Stark Athletic Center, totaling $26 million.
Homegrown Talent: Scholarships help retain Montana athletes like Taco and Caden Dowler, keeping the best in-state players close to home and out-of-state talent
Get Involved: many different giving levels available to support MSU athletic scholarships
Contact: Reach out to Kennedy Waible with questions about joining & donating – 406-994-3741
Did You Know?
Montana State has averaged over 19,000 fans per home game the past three seasons,
More than 40% of Bobcat football players are Montana natives
Over $600,000 was raised at this year’s Blue & Gold Gala–join in next year
Over 500 donors were involved in the Blue & Gold Gala 2025 success, online and in-person
More than 100 MSU student-athletes receive scholarships funded by the Bobcat Club
