Montana State wide receiver Taco Dowler has caught the eye of college football fans—and, amusingly, fast-food lovers too. After an electrifying FCS championship win, Dowler hopped on social media with a playful and bold Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) pitch to Taco Bell.
This move came right after the Bobcats’ wild 35-34 overtime victory against Illinois State. Dowler was front and center, snagging the game-tying touchdown that kept hope alive.
With a standout junior season and a backstory that’s just as interesting, Dowler’s Taco Bell appeal adds a quirky twist to his growing legend.
The Rise of Taco Dowler
McLean “Taco” Dowler has been turning heads at Montana State since 2022. In his junior season, he racked up 77 receptions for 1,025 yards and seven touchdowns.
He didn’t just catch passes—Dowler added 125 rushing yards and scored on a gutsy 22-yard jet sweep during the title game. Over his career, he’s put up 130 receptions for 1,873 yards and 18 touchdown receptions.
Honestly, he’s become one of the most electric players in the FCS.
A Championship Moment
The Bobcats’ win over Illinois State was pure drama. Dowler came up clutch in overtime, pulling in a 14-yard pass that set up the decisive extra point.
Quarterback Justin Lamson gave Dowler his due, saying he managed to find him wide open despite taking a hit. That play? It’s the kind fans will be talking about for a while.
The NIL Appeal
After the championship, Dowler jumped on X.com and tagged Taco Bell with a simple, *@tacobell NIL?* That’s it. Just a little nudge, but it got people buzzing.
If Taco Bell bites, it wouldn’t be their first rodeo with college sports. They’ve already teamed up with athletes and schools like Colorado, Penn State’s Beau Bartlett, UCLA’s Dominique Darius, and North Carolina’s Alyssa Ustby.
Why Taco Bell?
The nickname story is honestly pretty great. According to 406MTSports, young McLean was in a Taco Bell drive-thru with his family, spotted the sign, and decided, *That’s my name.*
His twin brother, Caden, even joined in the fun for a bit and went by Burrito. Caden eventually dropped his fast-food moniker, but Taco stuck with his—and now it’s everywhere, from yearbooks to news stories.
The Road to the Championship
Montana State’s path to the FCS championship wasn’t exactly smooth. They started 0-2, lost their starting quarterback, and saw six other All-Americans go down.
On top of that, they had to roll with some big coaching changes. Still, somehow, the Bobcats found their groove and rattled off 14 straight wins to claim the title.
Overcoming Adversity
Dowler talked about the team’s blue-collar mentality and how they leaned on breathing exercises to keep calm. *If you followed our season, it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. It was rocky at times,* he admitted.
That attitude helped them weather the storms and, honestly, pull off something pretty special.
Looking Ahead
Now, with his junior year in the rearview, Dowler’s future looks wide open. He’s cemented his place in Montana State lore and might just land a few NIL deals along the way.
Will Taco Bell answer his call? Who knows. But Dowler’s journey so far shows just how far a little grit—and a memorable nickname—can take you.
The Impact of NIL Deals
Name, Image, and Likeness deals have shaken up college sports in a big way. Suddenly, athletes have fresh chances to earn money and build their own brands.
For players like Dowler, these deals can mean real financial help. They also boost an athlete’s visibility, both on the field and out in the world.
Companies like Taco Bell are getting involved with college athletes. It’s wild to think how much the college sports scene is shifting—who knows where it’s headed next?
For more on Taco Dowler’s journey and his recent NIL request to Taco Bell, you can read the full article on Heavy.com.
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