Kalispell Glacier Receiver Cooper Pelc Commits to Montana

Pelc continues family legacy, joins first recruiting class of new Griz head coach Bobby Kennedy

Apr. 2, 2026 at 10:48pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the dynamic movements and energy of a football game, with sharp geometric planes in the Grizzlies' and Wolfpack's colors creating a sense of raw athletic power and competition.A new era of Grizzlies football begins with the commitment of in-state star Cooper Pelc, whose family legacy and connection to the program made Montana an easy choice.Missoula Today

Cooper Pelc, the standout wide receiver from the state champion Kalispell Glacier Wolfpack football team, has committed to continue his career at the University of Montana. Pelc, whose parents were both Grizzlies athletes, cited the opportunity to play for new head coach Bobby Kennedy and continue his family's legacy at Montana as key factors in his decision.

Why it matters

Pelc's commitment is a significant recruiting win for the Grizzlies, as they look to rebuild under new head coach Bobby Kennedy. As one of the top in-state talents, Pelc's decision to stay home and play for Montana is a boost for the program's efforts to keep the state's best players in Montana.

The details

Pelc announced his commitment on March 28, citing his family's Griz roots and the opportunity to play for coach Kennedy as major factors. Kennedy has made it a priority to recruit top in-state talent, and Pelc is part of a 2027 class that includes three other Montana natives. Pelc is looking forward to 'making his first play' at Washington-Grizzly Stadium, following in the footsteps of his father, a former Griz football player.

  • Pelc announced his commitment on March 28, 2026.
  • Kennedy was named the new Griz head coach in February 2026.

The players

Cooper Pelc

A standout wide receiver from the state champion Kalispell Glacier Wolfpack football team who has committed to play at the University of Montana.

Bobby Kennedy

The new head coach of the Montana Grizzlies football team, who has made recruiting top in-state talent a priority.

Brian Pelc

Cooper Pelc's father, who was a former football player for the Montana Grizzlies.

Kelli Pelc

Cooper Pelc's mother, who was a former track runner for the Montana Grizzlies.

Grady Bennett

The head coach of the Kalispell Glacier Wolfpack, who has been shaping Cooper Pelc for the next level since he entered the program.

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What they’re saying

“One of the first things he said to me after I committed was there's nothing like making a big play in Washington-Grizzly Stadium.”

— Cooper Pelc, Kalispell Glacier wide receiver

“I definitely noticed that coach Kennedy made it a point that he wanted to get all the in-state guys to go to the Griz, and he wanted to make it a point that he wants to move the program forward. He wants me to be a part of it, and I just got a lot of respect for him for that part.”

— Cooper Pelc, Kalispell Glacier wide receiver

“It definitely had an influence because he loves making those things, and I think he stays up at night making them. It was always fun showing them to my parents and showing them to my family and stuff.”

— Cooper Pelc, Kalispell Glacier wide receiver

What’s next

Pelc will now focus on his senior season with the Kalispell Glacier Wolfpack, as they look to defend their state championship. He hopes to become a vocal leader under the guidance of head coach Grady Bennett, who has been preparing him for the next level.

The takeaway

Cooper Pelc's commitment to the University of Montana is a significant recruiting win for the Grizzlies, as they look to rebuild under new head coach Bobby Kennedy. Pelc's decision to stay in-state and continue his family's legacy at Montana is a testament to the program's efforts to keep the best local talent in Montana.