Montana Tech Football 5 Powerful Reasons Fans Can’t Miss

Picture yourself in Butte, Montana, on a crisp fall day, the smell of tailgate burgers in the air, and the roar of the crowd at Alumni Coliseum. Montana Tech Football, home of the Orediggers, isn’t just a team—it’s the heartbeat of a tight-knit community. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to the NAIA scene, this article walks you through the team’s legacy, what’s coming in 2025, and how to join the fun. Let’s explore why the Orediggers are a big deal in Butte and beyond.

Key Takeaways

• The Orediggers carry Butte’s mining pride into every game, blending grit with heart.

• The 2025 season brings fierce rivalries and a shot at NAIA playoff glory.

• Local recruits, like Helena’s Merek Mihelish, fuel the team’s future.

• Coach Kyle Samson’s focus on Montana talent keeps the roster strong.

• Fans can catch games at Bob Green Field or stream them online easily.

A Snapshot of Montana Tech Football

Montana Tech Football , or the Orediggers, is more than a college team—it’s a symbol of Butte’s hardworking spirit. Playing in the NAIA’s Frontier Conference, the team represents Montana Technological University, a school rooted in the town’s mining history. Fans pack Alumni Coliseum to cheer for a squad that’s all about community pride and scrappy competition. If you’re searching for a team with heart, this is it.

Why does this matter? For locals, the Orediggers are a way of life, uniting families and friends. For newcomers, they’re a chance to discover small-college football’s charm. With a 9-3 record in 2024 and a No. 10 NAIA ranking, the team’s got momentum heading into 2025.

The Orediggers’ Storied Past

Imagine a small mining town in the early 1900s, Montana Tech Football  was a way to blow off steam. That’s where Montana Tech Football began. The program took off under Coach Bob Green from 1987 to 2010, posting a 140-116-1 record and reaching the 1996 NAIA National Championship Game. His legacy still shapes the team’s never-quit attitude.

Fast forward to today: the Orediggers have made the NAIA playoffs two years running, including a historic 97-0 rout of Simpson College in 2024, shattering their previous record of 93-19. That kind of history makes every game feel like part of a bigger story. But older sources, like Wikipedia, miss recent milestones—let’s fix that by celebrating the team’s modern rise.

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What’s Next for 2025?

The 2025 season kicks off with a bang on August 28 against rival Montana Tech Football  Western at the Copper Game, played under the lights at Bob Green Field. The schedule’s packed with six home games, including Rocky Mountain College (September 13) and Dakota State (October 4, Homecoming). Newcomers like Valley City State join the expanded Frontier Conference, shaking things up in the East Division.

After a 9-3 season in 2024, expectations are high. The team’s eyeing another playoff run, but they’ll face tough road games at Carroll College and Southern Oregon. Coach Kyle Samson told Montana Sports he’s excited about young players stepping up, especially after losing 28 seniors. Want to plan your game day? Check the full schedule on godiggers.com for times and tickets.

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Players to Keep an Eye On

Every season, new faces bring fresh energy. In 2025, redshirt senior linebacker Tel Arthur is a name to watch, anchoring the defense after a strong 2024. The recruiting class is stacked with 39 high schoolers, including 25 Montanans like Merek Mihelish, the 2024 Montana Gatorade Player of the Year from Helena Capital. Others, like Dylan Almquist (WR, Helena) and Misael Jimenez (DL, Dillon), add local flair.

Imagine a kid from Butte High, like Tocher Lee, catching a touchdown in front of his hometown crowd—that’s the kind of magic these recruits bring. Coach Samson told 955kmbr.com this group’s athleticism and size could make waves. Unlike some articles that skip player stories, we’re spotlighting these rising stars to give you the full picture.

Tips for Fans:

• Follow recruits on social media for behind-the-scenes updates.

• Check godiggers.com for player bios and stats before games.

• Look for Merek Mihelish’s big plays—he’s a quarterback to watch.

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Coach Samson’s Game Plan

Coach Kyle Samson, now in his sixth year, is all about building a team that reflects Montana’s grit. His strategy? A tough, run-heavy offense paired with a stingy defense, much like NAIA rival Georgetown (Ky.). He’s big on recruiting local kids—25 of the 2025 class are Montanans—because he knows they play with extra heart.

Compared to Bob Green’s era, Samson’s approach is more modern, leaning on speed and versatility. Senior guard Thomas Walkup told Montana Sports the offensive line’s bond is key, paving the way for 1,347 rushing yards by Landers Smith last season. Want to understand the team’s edge? It’s Samson’s knack for blending young talent with a hard-nosed style.

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The Heart of Oredigger Culture

Picture tailgating at Bob Green Field, fans in green and copper swapping stories about Butte’s mining days. The Orediggers’ nickname comes from the town’s copper mining roots, and that pride runs deep. Games like the Copper Game or Hall of Fame Weekend (October 25 vs. Mayville State) bring Butte to life, with locals and alumni packing the stands.

Unlike bigger programs, Montana Tech’s small-town vibe makes every fan feel like family. Struggling to find tickets? Call 406-496-4105 or visit godiggers.com for season passes. Can’t make it to Butte? Stream games live on the website to join the action from anywhere.

Ways to Get Involved:

• Join the tailgate at Alumni Coliseum for burgers and community vibes.

• Follow @DiggerAthletics on X or Instagram for real-time updates.

• Buy merchandise at godiggers.com to show your Oredigger pride.

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Rivalries and NAIA Spotlight

Nothing gets fans fired up like a rivalry game. Montana Western has dominated lately, winning five of the last six against Tech, but the Orediggers are hungry for revenge in 2025. Carroll College is another heated matchup, with the September 6 game in Helena a must-watch. Tech’s 12 straight wins over MSU-Northern show their dominance in some corners.

In the NAIA, Montana Tech Football  No. 10 ranking in 2024 puts them among the best, but they’re up against strong Frontier Conference teams like Montana Western. Compared to FCS giants like Montana State, Tech’s smaller stage offers a cozier, community-driven experience. Fans on X are buzzing about the expanded conference, with new teams like Dakota State adding intrigue.

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Overcoming Hurdles

Small-town programs like Montana Tech face big challenges. Recruiting in Butte isn’t easy—top talent often gets scooped up by FCS schools like Montana State. Plus, NAIA teams don’t get the TV time of bigger leagues, making national exposure tough. Fans also struggle with finding game streams or ticket info, especially for away games.

Here’s how to tackle those issues:

• Stay Updated: Follow nbcmontana.com or godiggers.com for real-time news and streaming links.

• Plan Ahead: Grab season tickets early (406-496-4105) to secure your spot at home games.

• Spread the Word: Share Oredigger highlights on social media to boost the team’s visibility.

The expanded Frontier Conference, now with 14 teams, gives Tech a chance to shine against new opponents like Valley City State. Coach Samson’s focus on local recruits helps overcome recruiting hurdles by building a loyal, homegrown roster.

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FAQs

• What’s Montana Tech’s recent football record?
  The Orediggers went 9-3 in 2024 and 7-4 in 2023, making the NAIA playoffs both years.

• Who are key players for 2025?
  Watch Tel Arthur (LB) and recruits like Merek Mihelish (QB) and Dylan Almquist (WR).

• How does Montana Tech recruit in a small town?
  Coach Samson targets Montana talent, with 25 of 39 2025 recruits from the state.

• What’s the Oredigger fan culture like?
  It’s a tight-knit, Butte-proud community, with tailgates and events like the Copper Game.

• Where’s the 2025 schedule?
  Find it on godiggers.com, starting withMontana Tech Football  Western on August 28.

• How does Tech compare to NAIA teams?
  Ranked No. 10 in 2024, Tech is a Frontier Conference leader with playoff consistency.

Join the Oredigger Journey

Montana Tech Football is more than a game—it’s a celebration of Butte’s spirit and a chance to cheer for a team on the rise. Whether you’re tailgating at Bob Green Field or streaming from afar, 2025 is your year to get in on the action. Visit godiggers.com for tickets, follow @DiggerAthletics for updates, and join the Oredigger family. Who’s ready to cheer for a playoff run?