Former Montana Tech football player and Whitefish native Ryder Barinowski has officially committed to the University of Montana via the transfer portal to continue his athletic and academic career.
Barinowski enters the program via the transfer portal after spending the past two seasons at Montana Tech, where he served as the Orediggers’ primary kickoff specialist.
During the 2023-2024 season, he led the NAIA in kickoff distance, averaging 62.5 yards per kickoff. He recorded 42 touchbacks on 82 kickoffs and set a Montana Tech school record with 10 touchbacks in a single game.
Barinowski went on to earn Montana Tech's Freshman of the Year Award, recognized for both his work ethic and on-field performance.
Barinowski heads to Missoula with the intention of battling for the opportunity of kicking Field Goals.
The former Whitefish Bulldog announced his commitment on X (formerly Twitter):
Blessed to announce my commitment to @MontanaGrizFB! All Glory to God!@KeatonJ_3 @CoachMcF pic.twitter.com/PsX0GJ99K6
— Ryder Barinowski (@RyderBarinowski) January 13, 2026
I had the opportunity to catch up with Barinowski to discuss his decision to transfer, his time in Whitefish and Butte, and what lies ahead.
Barinowski will head to Missoula with three years of eligibilty remaining.
He joins another former Whitefish Bulldog, Fynn Ridgeway, on the Griz roster.
Prior to his decision, Ryder joined me on my podcast, the Flathead Valley Sports Haven. You can listen to that here:
The Wild Northwest A: Whitefish Basketball Roundup
Whitefish Basketball Upended by Browning
Whitefish Boys Basketball Sunk by Polson, Lady Dawgs Rebound
Bigfork Sweeps Whitefish in Dramatic Basketball Doubleheader
Whitefish Hoops at the Half: Wins, Woes, and What’s Next
