The old saying, "it's a good problem to have," applies to Portland State Football Coach Bruce Barnum as the Vikings wrapped up their spring practice with the annual Spring Game at Stott Community Field. The problem? Which quarterback stands out the most in a heated competition to be the starter in 2025?
 
Saturday's play didn't make the decision any easier for the 10^th-year coach. As a group, PSU's six quarterbacks combined to complete 23-28 passes for 297 yards, four touchdowns and one interception in the 82-play offense vs. defense scrimmage. On top of that, the QBs gained 92 rushing yards on 20 carries, despite four sacks by the defense. Each of the six QBs had two series during the 90-minute scrimmage.
 
"I've got six to evaluate and I don't need any more. If we are playing tomorrow, I don't know who it will be (starting at QB). They all do great things. It will be a tough choice to make in the fall," said Barnum.
 
In all, the Vikings offense gained 519 yards of offense, scored six touchdowns, one field goal and were stopped five times by the defense. So, after a pair of strong performances by the defense in previous scrimmages, the offense clearly had its best day of the spring, led by solid play from the signal-callers.
 
Sophomore transfer John-Keawe Sagapoluete had 133 yards of total offense with a passing touchdown. Redshirt freshman Cru Newman had 89 yards of total offense with a touchdown rushing and passing. Senior CJ Jordan totaled 85 yards of offense and a TD. Senior Will Haskell was a perfect 5-5 passing for 58 yards and a TD. And so on…
 
Other standouts were as expected: running back Delon Thompson rushed 11 times for a team-high 50 yards and tight end Tanner Beaman caught six passes for 57 yards.
 
PSU's defense did a good job of forcing turnovers in live plays throughout the spring. They got only one on Saturday – an interception by sophomore safety Isaiah Green. The defense had 13 tackles for loss, including the four sacks. But the offense produced a handful of big plays with eight of more than 20 yards.
 
On defense, linebacker Jaxton Helmstetler led the team with six tackles, including two for losses. Defensive end Jayden Brannan had a pair of sacks in the same series that led to the only three-and-out stop of the day.
 
Despite the successes of the offense, Barnum is pleased with his defense this spring. He mentioned improvement in size and skill at cornerback as a strength, and overall likes the energy he has seen on that side of the ball.
 
"I like how they have been playing," said Barnum "They have had turnovers all spring and been getting off to a fast start. Today might have been the first time they didn't get off to a fast start."
 
Now the off-season, brief as it is with a July start to preseason camp and game one on August 23, lies ahead. More recruiting will take place in May as the transfer portal is open once again. But for Barnum, spring practice was a good start to 2025.
 
"We had some positions and student-athletes who surprised this spring. That sits well, knowing we have more than we thought we had," said Barnum.
 
SERIES' SUMMARY

• Mathias Uribe 48 FG
• Cru Newman 12-yard TD pass to Kristian Ingman
• Defensive series stop
• Defensive series stop
• John-Keawe Sagapolutele 6-yard TD pass to Jacques Badolato-Birdsell
• Micah Avery 8-yard TD run
• Defensive series stop 3-and-out
• Cru Newman 4-yard TD run
• Will Haskell 10-yard TD pass to Andre Miller
• CJ Jordan 29-yard TD pass to Tini Tinitali
• Interception by Isaiah Green
• Defensive series stop

 
PASSING: Gabe Downing 4-5-0, 25; Cru Newman 4-4-0, 58; Will Haskell, 5-5-0, 58; CJ Jordan 4-5-0, 52; John-Keawe Sagapolutele 4-7-1, 110; Tyrese Smith 2-2-0, 15
 
RUSHING: Delon Thompson 11-50; CJ Jordan 5-33; Cru Newman 6-31; Micah Avery 7-25; Tyrese Smith 5-23; Jordan Herron 6-21; John-Keawe Sagapolutele 1-23; Jacques Badolato-Birdsell 3-18; Kiwan Sims 1-8; Andre Miller 1-8; Will Haskell 1-0; Gabe Downing 2-(-18)
 
RECEIVING: Tanner Beaman 6-57; Kristian Ingman 3-45; Tini Tinitali 2-32; Kiwan Sims 2-11; Andre Miller 2-15; Terence Loville 1-3; Delon Thompson 1-3, Jordan Herron 1-4; Chance Miller 1-48; Jacques Badolato-Birdsell 1-6; Micah Avery 1-4; Eddy Schultz 1-12; Ben Stevens 1-48
 
DEFENSE: Jaxton Helmstetler 6-2TFL; DaMari Washington 5; Theo Thompson 5; Solomon McDaniel 5-TFL; Pierce Walker 4, Isaiah Green 4-INT; Herbert Ware, 4; Jayden Brannan 4-2SK; Elias Sanders 3-2TFL, Carsten Mamaril 3, Diontaye Moorman 3; Donte Hookfin 3-TFL-SK-FF; Jayden Sandusky 3-TFL, Davin Beason 2; Bryson Ross 2-PBU; Keegan Stancato 2-TFL; Dionte Thornton 2; Bam Afalava 2-TFL-SK; Rob Silva 1; JQ Ladson 1