Transfer Nate Glantz will start under center for the Lindenwood Lions in Thursday’s season opener at Kansas. (Photo: Cedric Williams)

ST. CHARLES, MO — The Lindenwood University football team released its official game notes for Thursday’s 2024 season opener on Thursday, and among the information given was a full list of the Lions’ starting offensive and defensive lineups.

Lindenwood head coach Jed Stugart likes to be as secretive as he can about what his lineups will look like, but the question fans have been wondering since the end of last season was who would start at quarterback this year.

That finally has been answered, as Lindenwood has transfer QB Nate Glantz listed as its starter for Thursday.

Glantz came to Lindenwood after playing last season at McNeese State, where he started six games and threw for 861 yards and three touchdowns. Glantz transferred to Lindenwood during the spring and according to Stugart, has been the breath of fresh air the Lions have needed under center since he reached campus.

In previous seasons, Glantz was one of the junior college players in the country. In 2020, he threw for 1,811 yards and 23 touchdowns, with just four interceptions, earning him the JCAA Offensive Player of the Year award. Glantz was also a juco All-American.

In 2021, Glantz threw for 2,147 yards and 18 touchdowns. His team went 18-2 in his two seasons at quarterback, which is why it seems likely Glantz will start at quarterback for the Lions against Kansas.

“We’re not ready to announce any of our starters, just yet,” Stugart said. “But I have been very impressed by that kid, no doubt. He’s only been here a few months and you already see what a great leader he is. He’s already a part of every part of this team. Every team meal, you’ll see him sit at a different table. He wants to be a part of every group on our team.”

Another interesting surprise is transfer running back Cortezz Jones will start for the Lions as well. The senior, who played the previous four seasons at Murray State, had a big game against Lindenwood in 2022, when he rushed for 93 yards on just seven carries for a whopping 13.3 yard average.

Former Kansas player, Reece Thomas, a wide receiver from Lansing, Kan., will also start for the Lions on Thursday.

2024 LINDENWOOD LIONS FOOTBALL SCHEDULE