It was announced today (Monday) that the potent Montana Grizzly football kicking game has suffered a potentially huge (and unexpected?) loss.

Such is the world of college football and it's rapid-fire exit/entry strategy known as the transfer portal, where players can come and go in hopes of finding better opportunities. And for the second year in a row, the Montana Grizzlies have been seen a talented, popular player move on.

First, it's only fair to offer congratulations to Griz freshman punter Brian Buschini, who was just named the Football Championship Subdivision Punter of the Year. And then, sadly, make that "former" Griz. Brian has announced that he has entered the transfer portal, seeking an opportunity to perform at a higher level of competition and exposure in college football's Football Bowl Subdivision.

On his Twitter account, Brian posted that it's been a lifelong dream to play at the FBS level and to try and win its highest honor bestowed on a punter annually. He also referenced looking out for the future, saying it is time to do what is best for his family and him. The Griz gave Buschini his chance as a walk-on from Helena Capital High School. He just completed his redshirt freshman year.

Brian recently married Montana Grizzly volleyball player Kellie Van Kirk, who is also a redshirt freshman.

The portal giveth and the portal taketh away. While Montana has lost a couple of outstanding players seeking greener pastures, they have also benefited from good players seeing Montana as a great place to play.

Now that the season has ended, the guess here is that this won't be the only portal departure or arrival in 2021.

PHOTOS: Light Up Western Montana 2021

Enjoy these houses of Western Montana decorated for the holidays.

 

 

 

 

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