Ah Yat to start at QB, Botner at center for Griz

Sophomore Keali’i Ah Yat doesn’t have an -OR- near his name on the Montana Grizzlies’ two-deep.  

The Grizzlies released their two-deep on Tuesday for their season opener with Division II power Central Washington, and Ah Yat is listed as the starter at quarterback with USC transfer Jake Jensen as the backup. 

Ah Yat, the son of Grizzlies quarterback great Brian Ah Yat, made six starts in 2024 as a redshirt freshman. He threw for 1,121 yards and ran for 159; he matched his seven touchdown passes with seven TDs rushing. 

Whitefish’s Dillon Botner, a graduate student, is listed as the starter at center. Glacier High product Drew Deck is No. 2 at the “F” wide receiver spot and also is listed as the Grizzlies’ punt returner. 

Botner, Deck, safety TJ Rausch and linebacker Geno Leonard were all named captains for Central Washington. 

All four players already have undergraduate degrees from UM; the National Football Foundation noted that 23 current Griz have degrees. 

The Grizzlies and Wildcats, who are ranked No. 18 in the AFCA Division II Coaches Poll, kick off at 6 p.m. Saturday at Washington-Grizzly Stadium. 

Montana is ranked No. 6 in the FCS in the latest Stats Perform Top 25. The Griz are No. 10 in the FCS Coaches Poll.

Big Vegas payout 

The Missoulian reported Wednesday that the Montana football program will get $.125 to play South Dakota State in the 2029 Vegas Kickoff Classic. 

The Missoulian and 406mtsports.com received a copy of the game contract; which includes an added split of ticket sales above $3.3 million. 

The Kickoff Classic will be a yearly event. Montana State and North Dakota State are set to square off in 2027.