The Orediggers' Ascent: 5 Reasons Montana Tech Football Is A Must-Watch In The 2024 Season
The Montana Tech Orediggers football program is charging into the 2024 season with immense momentum, aiming to build on one of the most successful recent campaigns in program history. As of this current date in late 2025, the anticipation for the upcoming slate of games is palpable, following a 9-3 overall finish and a deep run into the NAIA Football Championship Series quarterfinals in the previous season. The Orediggers have firmly established themselves as a perennial powerhouse within the competitive Frontier Conference, a reputation they intend to cement with their 2024 schedule.
The foundation of this success lies in a combination of strong recruiting, a cohesive coaching staff, and a core group of decorated returning players. Fans are eager to see how the team navigates a challenging schedule that includes key rivalry matchups and an exciting home opener at the legendary Bob Green Field at Alumni Coliseum. This article dives into the essential updates, key players, and the strategic vision driving the Orediggers' pursuit of a national championship.
Head Coach Kyle Samson: The Architect of Oredigger Success
The modern era of Montana Tech football is defined by the leadership of Head Coach Kyle Samson. Samson's tenure, which began with his hiring on January 21, 2020, has been marked by a significant elevation of the program's competitive profile. He has instilled a culture of discipline, high-powered offense, and aggressive recruiting that has paid immediate dividends for the Orediggers.
- Full Name: Kyle Samson
- Current Position: Head Football Coach, Montana Technological University (Montana Tech)
- Date Appointed: January 21, 2020
- Previous Montana Tech Role: Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach
- Prior Head Coaching Experience: Head Football Coach at Flathead High School in Kalispell for five years.
- Playing Career: Played college football at Montana State University-Northern.
- Coaching Philosophy: Samson has emphasized recruiting high school talent from Montana and the surrounding region, building a roster deeply committed to the program's identity.
Samson’s strategic approach has led to multiple winning seasons and a consistent presence in the NAIA national rankings. His ability to develop talent, particularly on the offensive side of the ball, is a key reason for the excitement surrounding the team’s future.
The 2024 Orediggers: Key Players and All-American Talent
The Orediggers’ ability to compete at the highest level of the NAIA is directly tied to the caliber of their student-athletes, many of whom have earned prestigious All-Conference and All-America honors. The 2024 roster is expected to feature a strong core of returning veterans who were instrumental in the team's run to the NAIA quarterfinals.
Defensive and Special Teams Stars
The program boasts a history of producing elite defensive talent, and the 2023 season was no exception. Defensive lineman Brandon Spencer was a standout, earning Second Team All-America honors and becoming the 30th All-American in Montana Tech football history. His presence on the defensive line provides a crucial anchor for the Orediggers' defense.
Special teams also remain a strength, led by multi-year All-Conference Punter Andrew Almos. Almos has consistently been one of the top punters in the Frontier Conference, earning All-Conference honors for multiple years, including 2023. His ability to flip field position is a major strategic advantage.
Offensive Firepower
On offense, the running game is anchored by First Team All-Conference Running Back Blake Counts. Counts is a powerful runner who consistently puts the Orediggers in scoring position and chews up valuable clock time.
Wide receiver Wyatt Alexander is another key entity, who earned All-Conference recognition for his strong performance. The passing game will look to integrate new talent from the announced 2024 and 2025 recruiting classes, which saw 40 high school graduates join the program, ensuring a deep and competitive roster for years to come.
2024 Schedule and Frontier Conference Showdowns
The Montana Tech 2024 football schedule is set to be a gauntlet of challenging non-conference and pivotal Frontier Conference matchups. The Frontier Conference is widely regarded as one of the toughest NAIA leagues, making every victory a significant achievement.
Must-Watch Games
The season kicks off with a major test on Thursday, August 29, 2024, as the Orediggers host three-time NAIA National Champion Georgetown College (Ky.) at Bob Green Field. This non-conference battle is a crucial early season barometer for the team's national aspirations.
The Orediggers’ most intense and historic rivalry, "The Battle of the Mining City," against Carroll College, is scheduled for Saturday, September 7, 2024, in Helena. This matchup is a long-standing tradition that often determines the Frontier Conference title race and is a highlight of the Montana collegiate sports calendar.
Another critical conference game will be against the College of Idaho Yotes. The Yotes ended Montana Tech’s "dream season" in the 2023 NAIA quarterfinals with a tough 41-26 loss, meaning the 2024 rematch will carry significant emotional weight and conference implications.
The Bob Green Field Advantage
The Orediggers play their home games at Bob Green Field at Alumni Coliseum, a venue renowned for its challenging atmosphere for visiting teams. The field was dedicated in 2013 to legendary former coach Bob Green, who is also the recipient of the Chancellor's Award of Distinction. The stadium, which opened in 1965, has a capacity of 2,000 and is a revered site for the Butte community and the Oredigger faithful.
The 2024 season promises to be a thrilling chapter in Montana Tech football history. With a strong coaching staff, All-American level talent like Brandon Spencer and Blake Counts, and a challenging schedule, the Orediggers are poised to make another deep run and solidify their position as an NAIA national contender. The combination of a rich history, a dedicated fan base, and a focus on recruiting local talent ensures the program's long-term success in the Frontier Conference.
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