The Jackrabbit quarterback room is in a much better position than how it entered the 2025 season. In 2026, the room actually has college starting experience! Offensive coordinator and QB coach Eric Eidsness certainly feels better about his room for that reason alone. He’s confident in his starter, confident in his depth, and excited about the potential of the young guys in the room. He believes all of these guys will be better than they were last fall because of the reps in the system, both mentally and physically. The headliner of the groups progress is that they now have 3 guys in the room who have made college starts at quarterback and have wins to their name and they have all flashed to varying degrees.
The group starts with #7 Chase Mason (6’4, 240, GR) who had a good year when healthy in 2025. Chase played in 9 games but was hurt during the first possession against Murray State so truly only had 8 games last season. He completed 65% of his passes for 2,005 yards and 15 TDs to just 4 INTs. He also had 283 gross rushing yards and another 6 TDs on the ground. However, he was sacked quite a few times early in the season due to not wanting to make the big mistake or forcing it into too tight of coverage. Coach Eidsness believes that Chase has grown a ton in the system and his understanding of the offense is so much deeper in 2026. He’s making plays and seeing things really well right now. Coach E said that although the injury was tough for Chase, he got better while injured because the game slowed down for him and he just sees everything in the offense in a different way now. Locally, there are huge expectations for Chase this year. Kurtiss Riggs has said multiple times with John Gaskins on Happy Hour that he believes Chase is an early round talent in the NFL draft. Nationally, there doesn’t appear to be that level of respect for Chase’s game yet. If he stays healthy, the Jacks should contend for a title and Chase should contend for the Payton Award while also improving his draft stock.
Part of the reason the Jacks feel good about unleashing Chase this season is because the depth is experienced and a bit more of a known commodity. In 6 games, including 3 starts, #16 Jack Henry (6’2, 215, So) passed for 605 yards and 5 TDs to 6 INTs last season. He also added 165 gross yards on the ground. From the outside it appeared Jack took a big jump during the season but Coach Eidsness said that Jack was mostly in survival mode last fall. His real jump came in the spring where he was excellent. He said that Jack is obviously good when the play breaks down (i.e. the game winning TD pass against UND) and that he can make plays while on the move and with his feet. He said that things are slowing down now for Jack and that he’s reading the defense really well along with being more confident and vocal as a leader.
The Jacks added to their room by bringing in #11 Josh Holst (6’4, 210, JR). Holst was recruited to NIU by Coach E and started 11 games for the Huskies (appearing in 14). He completed 59% of his passes for 1,282 yards and 6 TDs and rushed for another 385. Eidsness said that Holst had a really good spring. He mentioned that the portal can be really tough on QBs and that it is important to have a relationship with the guys you bring in. He mentioned that Josh has a quick release, good feet, and is definitely a dual threat QB. Holst and Henry are battling to be the #2 option this fall and to be the front runner for the job next fall after Chase graduates.
After Henry and Holst is Notre Dame transfer #5 Anthony Rezac (6’3, 205, So) and #17 Jack Thue (6’2, 205, So). Rezac was in Brookings for spring ball and although it took a little bit, he became more comfortable in the offense as spring ball went along. Eidsness says that he can really run and make plays with his legs and said that he worked really hard in the weight room over the summer. Rezac was a standout performer at Omaha Westside and was the Nebraska Player of the Year for both Gatorade and MaxPreps in 2023. Thue battled back from injury but unfortunately it cost him his freshman year of spring ball and then fall camp last fall. He’s now healthy and getting caught back up. Eidsness said he has great arm talent and confidence and is improving in his recognition of defenses.
The Jacks brought in two freshmen in #15 Kaden Harney (6’3, 195, Fr) and #13 Tresten Hass (6’3, 210, Fr). Eidsness said that Harney is playing really well and that he is detailed and very smart in his approach to the game. On Instagram this spring, Harney posted some workout videos that show off a very talented arm. Eidsness thinks he will experience big growth on the scout team this year and is excited to chart his progress. Hass missed his senior season of football due to injury but is physically ready to compete now. He is playing catchup right now but has all of the physical traits to become a good collegiate quarterback.
It can’t be said enough but the Jackrabbit quarterback room really is in a better place than it was a year ago. Yes, it is still important to keep Chase healthy but I don’t think this team goes on a 4 game losing streak again if Chase were to miss time. The talent AND the experience is now there for this team to continue their success no matter who is under center.
Go Jacks!
Matt
