| Jake Strong throws a pass in season opener on Aug. 29, 2026. Photo by Kelly Richard |
| By Wyatt Junkmann The Poke Press McNeese quarterback Jake Strong is listed as questionable after injuring his shoulder in the opener against Southland Conference No. 13 Stephen F. Austin, leaving sophomore Devin Lippols as another option for quarterback. Strong, a transfer from Texas Tech after the 2024 season, came to McNeese in 2025, leading the Cowboys to a 4-7 record with him under center. He threw for 2,008 yards, 11 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in the 2025 season and was named Southland Conference Offensive Player of the Week three times. During McNeese’s 38-27 loss to Stephen F. Austin, Strong went down with an injury during the 2nd half, leaving Lippold to close the game as he completed 10 of 19 passes for 118 yards, a touchdown and an interception. Before the final game of the 2025 season against Lamar University, Lippold had mainly been used as a 4th-and-short running QB, running sneaks and being used as a running back. However, during the match, Lippold completed 11 of 23 passes for 69 yards in the air, which gave the team “a lot of confidence in Devin,” according to head coach Matt Viator. Viator said Monday that both quarterbacks have practiced with the first-team offense. “I think we’ve been having a good quarterback competition,” Viator said. “I think the players have a lot of confidence in both of them.” McNeese will host Texas Wesleyan at 6:00 p.m. Saturday in a whiteout game at Navarre Stadium. |
