GAME #1: Montana State Opens 2025 Against Perennial Powerhouse Oregon

Saturday, August 30

Eugene, OR

2 pm MT

Montana State University

Oregon

Adam Jones

Photo by: Bobcat Creative Services

GAME #1: Montana State Opens 2025 Against Perennial Powerhouse Oregon

8/28/2025 10:49:00 AM | Football

Montana State Notes vs. UO Oregon Notes vs. MSU

Bobcats, Ducks meet in showdown of the final two undefeated Division I teams of 2024

By: Bill Lamberty

BOZEMAN, Mont. (August 26, 2025) – Montana State's fourth-year football coach Brent Vigen calls the move from preseason camp to game preparation "the transition you look forward to" in college football, but more than just a schedule is new in the Bobcat football program as the 2025 campaign dawns.

For the first time since 2021 the Cats open a season without the core of a team that won 47 games and two Big Sky titles while advancing to the FCS championship game twice. MSU opens the 2025 season at FBS No. 7 Oregon on Saturday. The game airs on the Big 10 Network, with kickoff at 2 pm MT.

While the Bobcats return talent and experience, Vigen knows all eyes will be on newly-anointed starting quarterback Justin Lamson. The Stanford transfer joined the Bobcats in June, and Vigen appreciates not just the talent that led him to time at Syracuse and Stanford before arriving at MSU. MSU's fifth-year head coach appreciates how Lamson goes about his business.

"I think that was clear for us as we came out of fall camp that Justin still is learning by the day," Vigen said. "We have appreciated how he's went after it with his attention to detail and willingness to work through the course of the summer and then fall camp. It's clear that this opportunity really matters to him, and I think our team has really embraced him because of who he is, and, beyond his ability, I think that played a key role into his continued growth."

At Stanford in 2024, Lamson completed 24 of his 47 passes for 300 yards and four touchdowns, while rushing 68 times for 94 yards. His eight rushing touchdowns set a program record.

Vigen remains more impressed with Lamson's makeup than his stat line. "He's a really good teammate," Vigen said. "He's clearly got leadership capabilities, and I think we feel like he's got some playmaking capabilities as well. Underneath it all he's a really good person, he's a hard worker, he didn't take anything for granted."

Lamson captured starting honors over sophomores Patrick Duchien and Chance Wilson, and he'll operate behind a veteran offensive line. Junior Burke Mastel moves to center, flanked by one-time all-league guard JT Reed and first-time starter Everett Carr. Tackles Cedric Jefferson and Titan Fleischmann started the 2024 opener at New Mexico, as well.

Leaning into experience in the offensive line creates a strong comfort level, Vigen said. "That (experience) is an important factor," he said.

The offensive perimeter positions provide a strong mix of talent, athleticism and experience for Lamson. Taco Dowler caught 11 touchdown passes for the Bobcats a year ago, and returns as a Preseason All-Big Sky pass-catcher. Transfer Chris Long (11 catches at Rutgers in 2024) and returner Ryan King (15 passes caught for the Cats a year ago) give the receiving corps a mix of size and skill. Jacob Trimble moves outside after two seasons spent primarily in the slot. He was frequently lauded for his spring and summer work. Redshirt freshmen Jabez Woods and Dane Steel add explosiveness and short area quickness.

Preseason Big Sky MVP Adam Jones and one-time starter Julius Davis anchor a deep running back room, but depth abounds. Junior Jared White, sophomore Colson Coon and freshmen Malachi Claunch and Cale Breslin bring varying skill sets to the Bobcat backfield. Tight ends Rylan Schlepp, Hunter Provience, Luvens Valcin, Rocky Lencioni and Luke Smith all provide skill as pass catchers and the ability to contribute in the run game.

The experience tilts frontward on defense. Defensive end Kenneth Eiden IV and Paul Brott, each elected team captains, anchor a line that also returns starting tackle Alec Eckert and at least one other letterman at every position. Neil Daily and Bryce Grebe both have starting experience at linebacker, while backups Cole Taylor and Ryan Krahe each impressed in the spring and summer.

The secondary offers a paradox. The experience is thin, but athleticism and talent are abundant. Junior Takhari Carr is the only corner with experience, but together with the redshirt freshman trio of Seth Johnson, Carson Williams and Jhase McMillan presents Vigen a quandary. "We can only start two," he said.

Depth and experience is less of a concern at safety and nickel. Tayden Gray gained experience last year, and is tabbed as the starting nickel. Caden Dowler and Taki Uluilakepa each possess starting experience, and backups Colter Petre and JJ Dolan made names for themselves last year on special teams.

In a role reversal from 2024, Montana State's kicking game features experience and stability from its place kicker and brand new players at the other spots. Myles Sansted was historically good as MSU's field goal and PAT specialist a year ago, converting 15 of 19 field goals and nailing 83 of his 85 extra points. He returns, but punter and kickoff specialist Brendan Hall and long snapper Tommy Sullivan, the best in the FCS in those categories, depart. New freshmen Colby Frokjer (punting, kickoffs) and Brody Johnson (snaps) take over those chores.

While preparation throughout the spring and summer focused on the Bobcats becoming the best possible version of themselves, Vigen knows what awaits on Saturday. "A lot of talent," he says. "They turn over quite a bit, but they still have talent all over the place. They went through the (2024) regular season undefeated, won the Big 10 Championship game, made it to the playoffs. There's a lot of talent."

In spite of the turnover from last year's team, starting with star quarterback Dillon Gabriel, Vigen expects familiar traits. "I think you're going to see a team that's got so many of the same characteristics. So, you don't get too deep into the individuals on their team, they're going to look the part, they're going to play real hard because that's what they've become – not just a talented team but a very well coached team, a team that plays with the right type of passion and emotion for the game."

Saturday's game marks Montana State's first at Autzen Stadium, and the second the Bobcats have played at Oregon. In 1947, Oregon scored 21 points in the fourth quarter to take a 27-14 victory.

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