LAKE CHARLES — Matt Viator has named his starting quarterback.
The McNeese football coach announced on Monday that Texas Tech transfer Jake Strong will serve as the starter for the season opener against Louisiana Christian University. Kickoff inside Navarre Stadium is set for 6 p.m.
The 6-foot-2, 215-pound sophomore appeared in three games as a true freshman during the 2023 season at Texas Tech. Strong appeared in games against Kansas State, BYU, and California, and completed 35-of-65 passes for 409 yards, with two touchdowns and six interceptions. Strong also rushed for 61 yards on six carries.
He did not see any playing time in 2024 as he served as Texas Tech’s scout team quarterback, but was the backup quarterback for the Red Raiders during last season’s AutoZone Liberty Bowl against the Arkansas Razorbacks.
Strong was a record-setting quarterback at Northwest High School in Justin, Texas, where he set school records for career passing yards (6,688), passing touchdowns (82), total yards (8,284), and total touchdowns (100).
Strong had scholarship offers from several FBS programs, including Penn State, Auburn, TCU, and Florida, but chose Texas Tech. He transferred to McNeese this January.