Taco Dowler is an American college football player who plays wide receiver for the Montana State Bobcats. He wears number 14 and became a household name in Montana after helping his team win the 2026 FCS national title. He is also known for his unusual nickname and his twin brother, Caden Dowler.
Who is Taco Dowler?
Taco Dowler is a standout wide receiver for Montana State University. He grew up in Billings, Montana, and starred at Billings West High School before joining the Bobcats in 2022.
Over the years he built a reputation as a reliable playmaker, a strong route runner, and a dangerous return man. His biggest moment came in January 2026, when he caught the game-tying touchdown in overtime to help Montana State win its first championship in 41 years.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | McLean Dowler |
| Nickname | Taco |
| Profession | College Football Player (Wide Receiver) |
| Date of Birth | June 28, 2003 |
| Age | 23 (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Billings, Montana, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Zodiac Sign | Cancer |
| Ethnicity | White/Caucasian (not officially confirmed) |
| Known For | Montana State Bobcats WR, 2026 FCS champion |
Taco Dowler Real Name
Taco Dowler’s real name is McLean Dowler. Taco is just a nickname, but it has stuck with him for almost his entire life.
The story goes back to when he was only two years old. According to Taco, he was sitting down for breakfast when his dad asked what he wanted, and he suddenly announced that his name was Taco. His twin brother joined in and called himself Burrito.
Caden’s “Burrito” nickname faded after about six months, but Taco refused to let his go. He even got upset when people called him McLean. Today, most people who know him have no idea his birth name is McLean at all.
Taco Dowler’s Height, Weight and Physical Appearance?
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 m) |
| Weight | Around 170 lbs (77 kg) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Body Type | Lean and Athletic |
Taco Dowler has the classic build of a shifty college wide receiver. He is listed at about 5 feet 9 inches and roughly 170 pounds, though some sources list him slightly taller at 5 feet 10.
He is not the biggest player on the field, but he makes up for it with quickness, sharp cuts, and strong hands. His frame is lean and built for speed, which helps him break tackles and pick up extra yards after the catch.
Background and Early Life
Taco was born on June 28, 2003, in Billings, Montana, and was raised there with his twin brother Caden. The two grew up close and did nearly everything together, from school to sports.
He attended Billings West High School, where he quickly became one of the top athletes in the state. During his high school years he broke several school records and earned the title of Montana Gatorade Player of the Year.
His talent caught the eye of college recruiters, and 247Sports ranked him as the third-best player in Montana for the 2022 class.
Is he married? Who is Taco Dowler’s Wife or Partner?
There is no public record of Taco Dowler being married. He is a college student and full-time athlete, so his focus has been on football and school.
As of now, he has not shared details about a girlfriend or partner. He tends to keep his personal life private and mostly posts about football, camps, and his artwork online.
Since no verified information is available, his relationship status appears to be single by yourself. If that changes, it will likely be shared through his own social media.
Family Background
Taco Dowler comes from a close-knit family in Billings, Montana. His parents are Justin and Michelle Dowler, who raised the twins together.
His twin brother is Caden Dowler, who also plays for the Montana State Bobcats as a defensive back. Taco was born about one minute after Caden, making him the younger twin.
The brothers have always been extremely close. They started school together, played sports together, and ended up on the same college team, chasing a national championship side by side.
Taco Dowler’s Net Worth 2026
| Year | Estimated Net Worth |
|---|---|
| 2022 | Under $10K |
| 2023 | Around $20K |
| 2024 | Around $40K |
| 2025 | Around $75K |
| 2026 | Around $100K (estimated) |
Please note that these figures are rough estimates from unofficial sources. As a college athlete, Taco Dowler does not have publicly confirmed earnings, so exact numbers are hard to verify.
Most of his potential income would come from NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals, which allow college players to earn money. After his championship-winning performance, he even publicly asked Taco Bell for an NIL deal on social media.
He also sells some of his own paintings and runs youth football camps, which can add to his earnings. As his fame grows, his value is likely to rise.
Career
Taco Dowler committed to Montana State in 2021 and joined the program in 2022. He steadily grew into one of the team’s most important offensive weapons.
His best season came in 2025, when he recorded 77 catches for 1,025 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns, earning First-Team All-Big Sky honors. He is also a threat on special teams as a punt returner.
His signature moment arrived on January 5, 2026, when Montana State beat Illinois State 35-34 in overtime to win the FCS national title. In that game he had 8 receptions, 111 yards, and the game-tying touchdown in overtime. He later announced he would return for his final college season in 2026.
Lesser-Known Facts About Taco Dowler
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Real first name | McLean |
| Hidden talent | Acrylic abstract painting |
| Twin bond | Younger twin by one minute |
| Jersey number | 14 |
| Off-field project | Runs youth football camps |
One of the most surprising things about Taco is that he is a talented painter. He got into it after seeing an abstract piece sell for around $2,000 online and figured he could try it himself.
He bought a canvas and some acrylic paint, and his first work was a colorful lion. Painting became a way for him to relax and step away from his phone.
He also gives back to his community by hosting youth football camps in Billings, helping young players learn the game.
Taco Dowler Social Media
Taco Dowler is active on a few social media platforms, where he shares football updates, camp news, and his artwork.
On Instagram, he uses the handle @taco.dowler and has built a following of around 23,000 people. His posts often highlight game moments and his life as a Bobcat.
He is also active on X (formerly Twitter) under the handle @DowlerTaco. This is where he announced his return to Montana State and even posted his famous Taco Bell NIL request after winning the title.
FAQs
1. What is Taco Dowler’s real name?
His real name is McLean Dowler. Taco is a childhood nickname he has used since he was two years old.
2. How old is Taco Dowler?
He was born on June 28, 2003, which makes him 23 years old in 2026.
3. Who is Taco Dowler’s twin brother?
His twin brother is Caden Dowler, who plays defensive back for the Montana State Bobcats.
4. What is Taco Dowler’s net worth?
His net worth is estimated at around $100K in 2026, mostly from NIL deals, though this figure is unofficial.
5. What does Taco Dowler do?
He is an American college football wide receiver for the Montana State Bobcats and a 2026 FCS national champion.