Taco Dowler is one of the best wide receivers in the country at the FCS level for Montana State.
Yeah, Taco.
That's not his real name, no.
But it's an amazing nickname for an amazing player.
Dowler entered the FCS championship game having caught 69 passes for 914 yards this season, and he was drawing attention for the Bobcats in the title matchup with Illinois State, too.
What is Taco Dowler's real name?
Taco Dowler's real name is McLean Dowler.
Why is he called Taco Dowler?
There are a variety of stories floating around out there, but one has to do with Taco Bell.
From 406MTSports: "One account goes like this: Young McLean was in a Taco Bell drive-thru with his family when he spotted the sign and blurted out, 'That's my name.'"
NFL fans may get to learn about Taco soon, too. The dude can play.
Montana State WR Taco Dowler (@DowlerTaco) has been a dynamic playmaker for the Bobcats all season long.
— Bryan (@RealBGauvin23) January 4, 2026
Dowler earned Second Team All–Big Sky honors after hauling in 69 receptions for 914 yards and 6 TDs on the year.
Future Sunday player.#FCS #BobcatBuilt #GoCatsGo #BigSkyFB pic.twitter.com/16QNuODAh5
For now, he's trying to claim a national title. And then he'll try to make it at the next level, too.
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