Under the Big Sky: 2025’s Most Compelling Storylines

As the 2025 season approaches, coaches across the Big Sky Conference are doing everything they can to prepare. Not every team will have the season they’re hoping for, but each coach knows the work that lies ahead. Some programs are aiming for a bounce-back year, while others look to maintain momentum after strong 2024 campaigns. Here's a breakdown of where things stand heading into the season.

Brent Vigen – Montana State Bobcats

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Brent Vigen and the Montana State Bobcats enter the season looking to reload after falling just short of a national championship in 2024. With several key players lost to graduation and the NFL Draft, Vigen is focused on keeping the team grounded and dialed in.

“This team clearly understands that we lost a lot of pieces, but we have all the capabilities,” Vigen said. “I think it’s a mindset, we’ve just got one game in front of us, and it really has to be that simple. Just because we’ve been in the playoffs four consecutive years doesn’t guarantee us anything.”

The development of younger talent will be crucial as the Bobcats replace experienced seniors.

“We’ve gone back to work and recognize the need for development,” Vigen said. “We lack experience at some positions, so underneath it all, it’s about hard work and intentional focus.”

Vigen is particularly excited about striking a better balance on offense this season, with confidence in the offensive line and running backs, while also seeing promise in the receiver group.

“Offensively, I’m really excited about our receivers,” he said. “There’s not a lot coming back, Taco is really the only one with production, but we have a bunch of good emerging players.”

On defense, replacing the entire starting secondary is no small task, but Vigen believes the hunger is there.

“Those two groups, receivers and secondary, while inexperienced, I think there’s plenty of talent and hunger to get stuff done.”

Brian Wright – Northern Arizona Lumberjacks

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The Northern Arizona Lumberjacks are coming off their first eight-win season since 2013, finishing with a five-game win streak. Head coach Brian Wright is heading into his second year focused on preserving and building the team culture.

“You know you have some transition, some players leaving and new players coming in,” Wright said. “It’s always about rebuilding that culture and team chemistry going into a season. Every day, I’m learning the importance of connecting with them and the love we have for each other.”

As a former receiver himself, Wright wants to see the Lumberjacks take a leap in the passing game this season.

“There are so many new things being added out on the perimeter. We want to stay cutting edge,” he said. “I expect the wide receiver unit to be the most improved, along with the lines on both sides of the ball.”

Ed Lamb – Northern Colorado Bears

For the Northern Colorado Bears, the goal in 2025 is clear: take a step forward. Head coach Ed Lamb wants to see his team start faster and build confidence early in the season.

“You wanna start off a little better than we have in the past,” Lamb said. “Gain confidence, maintain confidence, that usually leads to more fun, guys playing a little more loose. That’s the key to making it through the weeks.”

Lamb’s first recruiting class is now entering its junior year, and he’s eager to see their growth.

“It’s taken some time for most of those guys to get on the field,” he said. “But I really want to make sure that I’m ready to pivot and adjust and grow as a head football coach, as these guys grow as players.”

Quarterback depth also played a key role in last season’s struggles.

“We lost our first two quarterbacks in the first two games last year,” Lamb said. “That put a strain on everything. But with our quarterback back and healthy, we can really challenge some people.”

Mickey Mental – Weber State Wildcats

Weber State is looking to bounce back from a tough season, and head coach Mickey Mental believes the program has already taken big strides.

“I think it’s already happened with guys like Gavin Ortega and Matt Herron, and a handful of other leaders,” Mental said. “We’re a close-knit group this year.”

His experience as a quarterback helps him manage the highs and lows of a season.

“It’s just the ability to stay even-keeled through good and bad situations and not waver. That’s what being a leader is all about.”

Now, it's about execution.

“It’s just about getting over that hump and winning those close games.”

Tim Plough – UC Davis Aggies

After a successful debut season, UC Davis head coach Tim Plough is focused on consistency in year two.

“The main thing I try to do is just be consistent and honest,” Plough said. “We’re going to talk about the same things we did last season, we just want to do them a little bit better.”

As a former quarterback for UC Davis, Plough teaches from a QB’s perspective, even when coaching other positions.

“If I talk to DBs, I’ll say, ‘This is what I’d be looking for as a quarterback. Here’s what you can do to make it harder on me.’”

Plough also makes sure players know how much he cares—by matching their work ethic.

“They’re holding their own player-run practices and meetings. That makes me go, ‘Man, I’ve got to put in just as much time, if not more, to make this team successful.’”

Thomas Ford Jr. – Idaho Vandals

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New Idaho head coach Thomas Ford Jr. is no stranger to the program, and he’s bringing infectious energy into his first year at the helm.

“I don’t really believe in negativity,” Ford said. “Negativity just sets everyone backward. I’m going to bring a lot of positive energy to the Big Sky.”

A former running back, Ford is especially excited to work with the team’s backfield.

“With my experience at that position and the talent we have, I think it’s a great mix,” he said. “Coach Dunbar and I can give them a perspective that only comes from guys who’ve done it.”

With most other Big Sky coaches entering their second or third years, Ford knows he has something to prove in Year One, but he’s more than ready.

The Big Picture

Whether it's defending playoff streaks, building off breakout years, or setting new foundations, every Big Sky coach is entering 2025 with urgency and focus. With strong leadership across the board, this season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive yet, and once again, the Big Sky will look to prove it belongs among the national elite.