Bozeman, Mont.- Big change seems to be the most appropriate way to describe the Montana State Bobcats heading into the 2025 season. Montana State graduates one of the largest senior classes in program history, including one of the best to ever put on the blue and gold, touchdown Tommy Mellott.
There's no replacing one of, if not the greatest quarterback in program history. What Walter Payton winner Tommy Mellott provided on and off the field is unmatched, but the Bobcats are searching for a new signal caller.
The first place to look is who returns at the quarterback position from 2024. Three quarterbacks remain rostered from last year: Jordan Reed, Chance Wilson, and Patrick Duchien. Additionally, River Warren joins as a three-star recruit.
However, a lot of talk around the university is about Justin Lamson, a 6'2 veteran and recent transfer from Stanford. Montana State's Head Coach Brent Vigen shared his thoughts on Lamson, saying, "First and foremost (Lamson) was a dual threat, was athletic, could throw it. I really thought who he was as a leader. and, you know, a competitor was, the types of things you're looking for. I know now he's played quite a bit for Stanford the last couple of years, and you know, I think he's continued to show those things."
The relationship between Vigen and Lamson dates back to coach Vigen's Wyoming days. Vigen originally recruited Lamson at Wyoming, but Justin chose Syracuse. After a head coaching change, Lamson ended up at Stanford. After entering the transfer portal recently and originally choosing Bowling Green, another sudden coaching change brought him to Bozeman. At Stanford, Lamson set the all-time quarterback rushing touchdown record with eight. Bobcat fans know a lot about quarterbacks and rushing touchdowns, and this could be a perfect fit for Montana State.
Despite the hype around Lamson and his potential impact this season, he won't join the team until the summer due to academic commitments at Stanford. In the meantime, Vigen appreciates the development of the returning quarterbacks. He stated, "We have been really pleased with, you know, the continued development of Reed and Wilson and Duchien in particular. I know, you know, River joined us here in January as well. So, you know, seeing what those four guys do, and spring ball is probably the first thing that'll happen."
Perhaps the most important position on a football team is quarterback, and whoever attempts to replace touchdown Tommy Mellott will have big shoes to fill. The Bobcats are coming off of a national championship run and the target will be on their back from the first kickoff in August.
