Montana State Leads Cat-Griz Blood Battle 95-93
The annual American Red Cross blood drive rivalry between Montana State University and the University of Montana tightened after November 12 drives.
Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Montana State University leads the University of Montana 95 to 93 in donated units in the Cat-Griz Blood Battle after drives held November 12. The annual competition, run for more than three decades, pits the two schools against each other to donate the most pints of blood to the American Red Cross.
Why it matters
Donated blood is transported by volunteers to a processing facility and sent to hospitals across the country, so the drives directly feed the state's supply. Montana has one of the highest rates of return blood donors in the country, and organizers say the rivalry helps raise awareness and encourages people to donate.
Montana State's 95 units against the University of Montana's 93 leave the margin at two pints. The final result depends on the November 16 Bozeman drive, which has not yet been held.
The players
Montana State University
A public land-grant university in Bozeman, Montana, and the Bobcats' institution in the annual blood rivalry with the University of Montana.
University of Montana
A public university in Missoula, Montana, whose Griz athletic identity anchors the long-running Cat-Griz rivalry with Montana State.
American Red Cross
The nonprofit organization that operates the blood drives and distributes donated blood to hospitals across the country.
The details
Montana State University held its first Bozeman drive on November 4 at the Strand Union Building, drawing more than 40 donors. On November 12, about 20 people had donated at the Campus Ministry Center in Bozeman with an hour left, while Belgrade mayor Mike Meis gave a power red donation. Phlebotomists checked IV tubes and offered donors snacks during the drive.
Timeline
November 4: Montana State's first Bozeman drive at the Strand Union Building.
November 12: Bozeman and Missoula drives concluded, with Montana State leading 95-93.
November 16: Bozeman's final Blood Battle drive at the MSU Student Wellness Center.
Philanthropy Trajectory
The Cat-Griz Blood Battle has run for more than three decades as an American Red Cross drive, and the 2026 standings show Montana State narrowly ahead of the University of Montana after the November 12 drives. Last year the Griz gave 93 units to the Bobcats' 80, so the lead has changed hands in the current season.
Blood donors in Bozeman and Missoula can give at the remaining campus drives, including the November 16 Bozeman session at the MSU Student Wellness Center. A whole blood donation takes about 15 minutes, while a power red donation takes about 45 minutes but yields twice the blood units.
The takeaway
Up to 85% of people over 40 have been exposed to cytomegalovirus, so ordinary donors often carry immunity that protects patients. Giving during a campus drive takes about 15 minutes for a whole blood donation and can help keep Montana's hospital supply steady.
What happens next
The Bozeman Blood Battle drive at the MSU Student Wellness Center on November 16 will determine the final standings of the competition.
Further reading
Explore more Philanthropy coverage of community giving and donation drives across Montana.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KULR-8 Local News.
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