Tommy Mellott, Montana State’s star quarterback, has been awarded the prestigious Walter Payton Award as the top offensive player in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) for the 2024 season. This honor comes just days before Mellott leads the top-ranked Bobcats into the FCS championship game against North Dakota State.
Nicknamed “Touchdown Tommy,” Mellott secured the award with 147 points and 16 first-place votes, edging out North Dakota State quarterback Cam Miller and Southern Utah running back Targhee Lambson. This marks the first time a Montana State player has won the Walter Payton Award, which is often referred to as the “Heisman of the FCS”.
Mellott’s impressive 2024 season has led the Big Sky champion Bobcats to a perfect 15-0 record. His exceptional performance has not gone unnoticed, as he was also named to the Associated Press FCS All-America team and received the Walter Camp FCS Player of the Year award. Mellott currently leads the FCS in passing efficiency and points responsible for.
Championship Rematch
The upcoming FCS championship game will be a rematch between Mellott and North Dakota State’s Cam Miller. This marks the second time these two quarterbacks will face off in a title game, adding an extra layer of excitement to the contest. The game is scheduled for Monday night at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas.
Reflecting On Program Success
Reflecting on his journey, Mellott shared a poignant moment from three years ago when he was sidelined with an injury during a previous national championship game. He recalled a conversation with his quarterback coach at the time, who set the goal of winning the Walter Payton Award. “I think it’s just a testament to what we’ve done as a program,” Mellott said, emphasizing the collective effort behind his individual success.
As Montana State aims for its first national title in 40 years, all eyes will be on Mellott to see if he can cap off his award-winning season with a championship victory.
The upcoming championship game between Montana State and North Dakota State presents a formidable challenge for the Bobcats, given the Bison’s storied football history and dominant record in recent years.
North Dakota State’s Legacy
North Dakota State has established itself as an FCS powerhouse, with an impressive track record:
- 9 FCS national championships in the last 11 years (2011-2021)
- 17 total NCAA championships across divisions
- An all-time FCS playoff record of 43-4
- 10 Missouri Valley Football Conference championships
The Bison’s success extends beyond just titles:
- They hold the FCS record for consecutive wins (39 games)
- They’ve achieved three undefeated championship seasons (15-0 in 2013 and 2018, 16-0 in 2019)
- NDSU has the most regular season and playoff wins among FCS teams since 2010
The Challenge for Montana State
Facing such a dominant program presents several challenges for Montana State:
- Championship Experience: NDSU has significantly more championship game experience, having played in and won multiple title games in recent years.
- Home Field Advantage: While the game is at a neutral site, NDSU’s familiarity with the championship environment could be an advantage.
- Playoff Prowess: The Bison boast an impressive 50-5 record in FCS playoff games, including a near-perfect 38-1 record in the Fargodome.
- Winning Culture: NDSU’s consistent success has created a winning culture that’s hard to match, with only 3 losing seasons since 1964.
Montana State’s Opportunity
Despite the daunting task, Montana State has reasons for optimism:
- Tommy Mellott’s exceptional performance and recent accolades could be a game-changer
- Their perfect 15-0 record this season demonstrates their own strength and consistency
- The experience gained from their previous championship matchup against NDSU could prove valuable
While North Dakota State’s history and playoff experience make them a formidable opponent, championship games often come down to performance on the day. Montana State has the opportunity to write their own chapter in FCS history by overcoming this storied program.
About the Reward – NCAA description
The Walter Payton Award debuted in 1987 to honor the most outstanding player in the Football Championship Subdivision. In 1995, with the introduction of the Buck Buchanan Award for top defensive player, the Payton Award was altered to only recognize the top offensive player.
A national panel of more than 150 sports information and media relations directors, broadcasters, writers and other dignitaries vote on the award’s winner, based on players’ regular-season performances. Voting is conducted before the start of FCS playoffs.
The Walter Payton Award is one of five national awards announced by STATS FCS:
- Walter Payton Award (FCS offensive player of the year)
- Buck Buchanan Award (FCS defensive player of the year)
- Jerry Rice Award (FCS freshman of the year)
- Eddie Robinson Award (FCS coach of the year)
- Doris Robinson Scholar-Athlete of the Year