Montana State Depth Chart: Familiar Faces Lead Title Defense
Source: Montana Sports. Casualplayhub News adds summary, context, and editorial framing while linking back to the original report.
BOZEMAN — The Montana State Bobcats have unveiled their initial depth chart for the 2025 season, and the reigning FCS national champions are leaning heavily on continuity. With the season opener set for Saturday at Utah Tech, the roster features few surprises at the skill positions on offense, where the most recognizable names are squarely in place.
Quarterback Justin Lamson, coming off a championship-winning campaign, takes the top spot under center. Running back Adam Jones, who emerged as a workhorse last season, is listed as the No. 1 back. The "H" receiver position belongs to Taco Dowler, a versatile playmaker who also handles punt returns. At the "Z" receiver, Dane Steel is the starter, and Rocky Lencioni is listed as the No. 1 tight end. The other wideout spot goes to Jordan Reed, who made the switch from quarterback to wide receiver in the spring of 2025.
The offensive line, a cornerstone of Montana State's run-heavy attack, returns three starters from last year's unit. Braden Zimmer holds down left tackle, Burke Mastel is the left guard, and Titan Fleischmann starts at right tackle. The interior features Aiden Kaplan at center and Everett Carr at right guard, providing a seasoned front five.
Defensively, the Bobcats are operating out of a 4-2-5 base alignment. Zac Crews is the No. 1 rush end, while Bryce Grebe and Cole Taylor are the top linebackers. The secondary, however, underwent significant turnover. Caden Dowler, last year's Big Sky Defensive Player of the Year, remains the anchor at strong safety. Tayden Gray (nickel), Takhari Carr (cornerback), Tim Thomas (cornerback), and Bryant Meredith (free safety) round out the starting secondary. Up front, Dom Solano is the starting defensive end, with Zack Black at tackle and Talon Marsh at nose.
Special teams are a model of stability. Myles Sansted retains the placekicking duties, and Colby Frokjer handles punting and holding. Long snapper Brody Johnson returns, and Jabez Woods is the primary kickoff returner. Taco Dowler will continue to field punts.
Montana State opens its title defense Saturday at 8 p.m. Mountain Time. The game will be broadcast by Scripps Sports on MTN — The Spot statewide.
Article commentary
Montana State's depth chart offers a clear signal: the Bobcats are not rebuilding—they are reloading. After capturing the FCS national championship in 2024, the program has opted for continuity over experimentation, particularly on offense. The return of quarterback Justin Lamson, running back Adam Jones, and a veteran offensive line gives the team a proven identity—a physical, run-first attack that wore down opponents last season. The decision to keep Jordan Reed at wide receiver after his position switch from quarterback adds another layer of athleticism, though it remains to be seen how quickly he adapts to game speed. Defensively, the story is more complex. While the front seven remains largely intact, the secondary has been reshuffled after multiple departures. The presence of Caden Dowler, the reigning Big Sky Defensive Player of the Year, provides a stabilizing force at strong safety. But the cornerback spots—occupied by Takhari Carr and Tim Thomas—and the new free safety, Bryant Meredith, will be tested early. Utah Tech, though not a top-tier opponent, has an offense capable of exploiting any miscommunication in the defensive backfield. This game will serve as an early gauge for how quickly the rebuilt secondary can gel. Special teams remain a strength. Myles Sansted is a reliable kicker, and Taco Dowler is one of the most dangerous return men in the FCS. Field position could be a decisive factor, especially in a road environment. However, the Bobcats' schedule is forgiving in the early weeks, giving them time to develop chemistry before conference play heats up. One underlying concern is depth. While the starters are established, the second-string units—particularly on the defensive line and offensive skill positions—lack the same level of proven experience. An injury to a key player like Lamson or Jones could expose vulnerabilities. The Bobcats have navigated such challenges before, but the margin for error in a title defense is razor-thin. Ultimately, this depth chart reflects a team that knows its identity and isn't afraid to bet on it. The question is whether the rest of the FCS has caught up. Utah Tech will provide the first test, but bigger challenges await in Big Sky play. Montana State's formula for success—dominate the trenches, control the clock, and lean on a stout defense—remains intact. Execution, not innovation, will determine if they can repeat.