Tommy Mellott Withdraws from NFL, Returns to Montana State Bobcat Due To…

Here’s a well-structured, polished article about Tommy Mellott’s return to Montana State Bobcat football after withdrawing from the NFL Draft:

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## **Tommy Mellott Withdraws from NFL, Returns to Montana State Bobcats**

**BOZEMAN, Mont.** – In a surprising twist following the NFL Draft, Montana State standout Tommy Mellott has announced he is withdrawing from the draft and returning to the Bobcats for the 2025 season.

### 🏈 **From Bobcat QB to NFL Hopeful**

Mellott, a hometown hero from Butte, made a name for himself at Montana State as a dynamic dual-threat quarterback from 2021 to 2024. He amassed over 5,800 passing yards and 3,500 rushing yards, ranking among the top in school history in both categories ([montanasports.com][1]). In his standout senior year, he threw for 2,759 yards and 31 touchdowns, plus 1,050 rushing yards and 15 rushing scores, leading the Bobcats to the FCS national championship game ([montanasports.com][1]).

### 🏆 **Accolades and Athleticism**

Mellott’s stellar 2024 season earned him several top honors, including the prestigious Walter Payton Award, Walter Camp FCS Offensive Player of the Year, and consensus First-Team All-American recognition ([raiders.com][2]). At his pro day, he posted eye-popping metrics: a 4.39-second 40-yard dash, 41-inch vertical leap, 10′4″ broad jump, and 19 reps on the bench—highlighting his elite athleticism ([flatheadbeacon.com][3]).

### 🌟 **From NFL Prospects to Bobcat Return**

Despite being projected as a sixth-round pick—selected 213th overall by the Las Vegas Raiders as a WR/athlete hybrid—Mellott has chosen to go back to Montana State ([raiders.com][2]). This means he’ll forgo his rookie contract (which included a four-year deal worth approximately \$4.37M with a \$174K signing bonus) ([montanasports.com][4]).

### 🌀 **Position Change and Future Role**

Considered the Raiders’ potential “next Julian Edelman,” Mellott was expected to convert to a wide receiver and special teams contributor, with the ability to throw trick plays ([nfl.com][5]). Instead, he’ll return to Montana State, likely continuing in an expanded “Slash” role where he can showcase receiving, rushing, and passing versatility.

### 🔄 **A Boost for the 2025 Bobcats**

Head coach Brent Vigen and offensive coordinator Pete Sterbick will return to the drawing board to leverage Mellott’s rare skill set across multiple roles next season. The Bobcats, after recording a 15–1 run in 2024, aim to make another national title push—with their former quarterback-turned-hybrid threat back at the helm ([en.wikipedia.org][6]).

### 📌 **Key Takeaways**

| Element | Impact |

**Star Power** | Mellott brings the top FCS offensive player back to campus. |

**Roster Dynamics** | His presence adds flexibility—QB, receiver, returner, trick plays. |

**NFL Implications** | Delays pro career, but boosts draft stock with another standout season. |

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**Summary:** Tommy Mellott’s decision to withdraw from the NFL Draft and return to Montana State is a rare and impactful move. It gives theBobcats a potent playmaker, reshapes their offensive identity, and sets the stage for another dominant FCS campaign.