Iowa State Prepares for Unexpected Bowling Green QB Starter
Bowling Green has named Jay Kastantin, a Division II transfer, as its starting quarterback over Oregon transfer Austin Novosad. Kastantin earned Northeast-10 MVP honors last season. Iowa State, which faces Bowling Green in Week 3, will need to adjust its game plan accordingly.
Kastantin's rise has been swift. After three seasons at Assumption College, where he totaled 3,658 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, 710 rushing yards, and nine rushing scores across 22 games, he earned the Northeast-10 Conference MVP award in 2025. That recognition opened the door to the FBS level, and he now steps into Bowling Green's starting role under coach Eddie George, debuting against Tarleton State.
The quarterback decision leaves Oregon transfer Austin Novosad on the bench despite his pedigree learning behind elite Pac-12 passers. For Iowa State, the shift means preparing for a dual-threat signal-caller rather than a traditional pocket passer. The Cyclones open their season against SEMO under new coach Jimmy Rogers, with the Bowling Green matchup arriving in Week 3.
This quarterback change could subtly reshape early-season expectations for both programs. Iowa State's defensive preparation now centers on an unfamiliar, mobile passer, which may introduce uncertainty in their Week 3 game plan. For Bowling Green, the decision signals a commitment to proven production over recruiting pedigree, potentially influencing how Group of Five programs evaluate Division II talent. Fans and analysts following the Cyclones' playoff trajectory may view this as a slightly tougher test than originally projected, though the broader competitive landscape remains largely unchanged.