The Oregon Ducks now know who will be playing quarterback against them as Montana State names starter ahead of Saturday’s season opener
Montana State names Stanford transfer Justin Lamson as the team’s starting quarterback.
When Oregon hosts Montana State to kick off the 2025 season on Saturday, the Ducks will see a quarterback they’ve already faced before. The Bobcats have named Justin Lamson, who transferred from Stanford this summer as their starting quarterback.
Oregon fans may remember Lamson from 2023, when he started against the Ducks at Stanford. In that game, he threw for 106 yards on 11-of-20 passing and added 32 rushing yards on 22 attempts, though Oregon controlled the game in a 42–6 win. Lamson’s first trip to Autzen Stadium will be this weekend’s matchup, and he knows the challenge ahead.
Lamson didn’t arrive in Bozeman until the summer but quickly earned the job in fall camp. According to head coach Brent Vigen, his performance in Montana State’s scrimmage, where he went 16-of-18 for 145 yards and two touchdowns, sealed the decision.
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“He showed he can distribute the ball, make the right reads, and extend plays,” Vigen said. “He’s a dual threat who can hurt defenses in multiple ways.”
After two up-and-down years at Stanford, Lamson is looking for a fresh start. He totaled 504 passing yards and 334 rushing yards in 2023, but never found consistent success. Now, he joins a Montana State team with championship expectations after reaching the FCS national title game last season.
“Winning as a team matters more than anything,” Lamson said. “I wanted to be part of a program where everyone is committed to that, and I’ve found it here.”
The Bobcats must replace All-American quarterback Tommy Mellott, and Lamson steps in under new offensive coordinator Pete Sterbick. His first test comes against an Oregon defense that returns only two starters and will be working in new faces across the line and secondary.
“They do a lot of movement on third downs — blitzes, stunts, all that,” Lamson said. “With the athletes they have, they can mix things up in ways most teams can’t.”
Lamson is an excellent athlete who could trouble the Ducks when he elects to keep the ball on the ground with his legs. Oregon would be wise to key in on him rushing the football, playing with an extra defender in the box at least to start the game, and daring Lamson to throw it.
Oregon takes on Lamson and Montana State Saturday, August 30th.
