Weber State's New Era: Quarterbacks Blaze a Path to Leadership
The Quest for Leadership
At the heart of every football team lies the nucleus that is the quarterback position, and for Weber State University, this role carries a weight of amplified expectations. With a fresh cohort of quarterbacks ready to take the field, the Wildcats seek not only victories but leaders who can steer them toward a triumphant season.
Building a New Foundation
The departure of Richie Muñoz, whose impressive tenure left behind a legacy of 3,622 passing yards and 34 touchdowns, has left Weber State in a position to rebuild from its roots. Entering the 2025 season, the team holds a modest 18 career college passing yards, mainly in the hands of Dijon Jennings. Despite having only two completions to his name, Jennings is anything but new to collegiate football, bringing experience from Akron and a season as Muñoz’s backup.
New Faces, New Energy
The Wildcats have welcomed three promising quarterbacks: sophomores Jackson Gilkey and Cash McCollum, along with true freshmen Kingston Tisdell and Easton Comer. Under the watchful eye of Head Coach Mickey Mental, these young athletes are described as “intelligent” and “diligent,” already mastering 70% of the offensive playbook. Mental’s enthusiasm is not contained, as he heralds this group as a special one, poised to bring unique strengths to the field.
“As stated in standard.net, they are very diligent in their craft. Each one brings something special,” Mental shares. “I like the trajectory of this group.”
Leadership Amidst the Lineup
Jackson Gilkey, a transfer from UTSA who holds a sterling record of 5,725 high school passing yards, aims to be a stabilizing force. At 21, his maturity speaks volumes, as he aims to guide his younger teammates through the collegiate transition.
“We’ve all just got to keep building our leadership role, getting to know our teammates and pouring into them,” Gilkey notes, emphasizing the camaraderie necessary for success.
The Road Ahead
As the Wildcats adapt and grow, all five quarterbacks are tasked with mastering a new offense, forming bonds with new teammates, and handling the pressures of collegiate football. Cash McCollum, an impressive recruit from China Springs, Texas, adds depth with his record-breaking high school stats. Meanwhile, Kingston Tisdell, a promising recruit from Los Angeles, jumps from a 10-1 high school season to the collegiate stage.
Spring Promises Growth
With spring camp as a proving ground, the Wildcats aim for consistency leading up to their next big game on August 30. Coach Mental believes this steadfastness will determine their success: “It’s all consistency-based. It’s not a one-day, two-day thing.”
As Weber State’s quarterbacks continue to hone their skills and leadership capabilities, anticipation builds for what this new season holds. The Wildcats are ready to reclaim their standing with a fresh lineup that promises not just experience, but brilliance.
