The journey of former Syracuse University quarterback Justin Lamson has taken a remarkable turn as he now leads Montana State University to the FCS Championship game against Illinois State. The game is set to kick off on January 15, 2024, at 19:30 UTC, with fans eagerly anticipating the showdown.
Montana State head coach Brent Vigen has been closely following Lamson’s career since high school, when he identified him as a top prospect. “That goes back from 2019 into ’20,” Vigen remarked at a recent press conference. He recounted his efforts to recruit Lamson while serving as the quarterbacks coach at the University of Wyoming but faced challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic. “When Justin did come to Laramie, I couldn’t have any contact with him other than waving to him from my office window,” Vigen added.
Initially, Lamson committed to Syracuse, where he gained valuable experience before transferring to Stanford in 2023. During his time there, he contributed as a backup quarterback and tallied four touchdown passes in the 2024 season. However, with a coaching change at Stanford, Lamson found himself back in the transfer portal, which led him to Bowling Green.
Vigen noted, “He was clearly our target through the month of December,” highlighting Lamson’s potential and previous achievements at Stanford. Unfortunately, Lamson’s time at Bowling Green was brief as head coach Scot Loeffler departed to join the Philadelphia Eagles. This left Lamson navigating the uncertainty of a new coaching staff led by Eddie George, who brought his own quarterback to the program.
As Lamson transitioned to Montana State, he faced a challenging fall camp but ultimately earned the starting position. “I really felt like I had a challenging fall camp. It was a humbling experience,” Lamson reflected. Despite a rocky start, he began to find his rhythm and leadership capabilities within the team.
As of now, Lamson has recorded an impressive 24 touchdown passes against just three interceptions for the season, alongside another 14 rushing touchdowns. His performance has placed him among the most efficient quarterbacks in the FCS. Vigen expressed his satisfaction with Lamson’s development and the culmination of their long-standing relationship, stating, “For it to come back to fruition the way it has, I’m just grateful that things work out the way they do.”
The upcoming championship game represents not just an opportunity for Lamson to showcase his skills, but also a testament to his resilience through various transitions in his collegiate career. Fans will undoubtedly be watching closely as he takes the field for Montana State in pursuit of the FCS title.
