Thursday, November 12, 2026
28.0°F

Big Sky Now: Inside the Brawl of the Wild with interviews of former brawl players

BIG SKY NOW PODCAST | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 11 months, 3 weeks AGO
by BIG SKY NOW PODCAST & LUKE SCHMIT
Big Sky Now brings the best sports reporters from the inland Northwest to the table to discuss Big Sky Conference football and basketball. | November 20, 2025 10:50 PM

The Brawl of the Wild is more than Montana’s biggest football rivalry — it’s a lifelong experience that shapes every player who steps onto the field. 

This week on Big Sky Now, host Luke Schmit sits down with former Montana linebacker Ryan Tirrell and former Montana State safety Rylan Ortt to talk about what it’s really like to compete in this historic matchup.

From childhood friendships in Missoula to battling on opposite sidelines in front of two of the loudest home crowds in the FCS, Tirrell and Ortt break down their journeys, the road to the national championship, traditions that defined their careers, and the intensity that builds during Cat-Griz week. 

They also share insights on this year’s Montana and Montana State squads and what each team must do to come out on top. 

If you’re a Griz fan, a Cats fan or love the culture of Big Sky football, this is the definitive inside look at the rivalry that defines Montana.


READ MORE:

Brawl: Watching a doc no substitute for experience

Full Count: Not even mad; just disappointed

Homegrown Botner to get a big taste of Brawl

PHOTOS: Montana State rolls to 12-0 with 34-11 Brawl of the Wild win over Griz


Follow the Big Sky Now podcast by Hagadone Sports Network on You Tube or your favorite podcast app.  

ARTICLES BY BIG SKY NOW PODCAST

Big Sky Now: Week 10 recap, Bobcats survive 3 OTs, Gillman breaks Kupp’s record, and Week 11 preview
November 12, 2026 9:30 a.m.

Big Sky Now: Week 10 recap, Bobcats survive 3 OTs, Gillman breaks Kupp’s record, and Week 11 preview

Montana State survives Idaho State in triple overtime, Eli Gillman breaks Cooper Kupp’s Big Sky record, and Idaho hangs 62 on Eastern Washington.

Big Sky Now: Week 9 recap, Griz get back on track, Bobcats hang 61, Week 10 preview
November 5, 2026 10 a.m.

Big Sky Now: Week 9 recap, Griz get back on track, Bobcats hang 61, Week 10 preview

Montana gets back in the win column, Montana State hangs 61 on Cal Poly, and Idaho finally wins one without giving its fans a heart attack.

Big Sky Now: Week 8 recap, Bobcats rally past Weber State, Utah Tech breaks through, and Week 9 preview
October 29, 2026 10:30 a.m.

Big Sky Now: Week 8 recap, Bobcats rally past Weber State, Utah Tech breaks through, and Week 9 preview

Montana State survived a second-half scare, Idaho won another thriller and Utah Tech finally broke through, and the Big Sky Now panel is breaking it all down.