Oregon’s quarterback situation ‘starting to shape out’

EUGENE — While most other top programs in the country that are replacing quarterbacks have formally declared their new starters, Oregon is continuing to guard its decision.

It’s not an unusual strategic maneuver for Dan Lanning, who never announced Bo Nix was the starter in 2022. Nix went on to be a Heisman Trophy finalist, NCAA single-season completion percentage record holder and first round draft pick while Ty Thompson transferred to Tulane and has since changed positions to tight end.

Even Dillon Gabriel’s addition last offseason was shrouded in a “competition” with fellow transfer Dante Moore, whose desire to be developed while behind the most experienced quarterback in college football was widely known.

Though Moore has been in the driver’s seat for some time, a decree that he beat out Austin Novosad in a “really competitive” battle, per offensive coordinator Will Stein, may not be in the cards prior to the first offensive snap on Aug. 30.

“I think it’s starting to shape out a little bit for us,” Stein said. “We’ll see here in the next week or so where we’re going to go.”

Moore feels this has been his best fall camp in his three seasons in college and cited his communication, on and off the field, as a reason for it.

Having spent last season behind Gabriel and seeing how he prepared in the film room, on the night before road games as roommates, and in practice, provided a guide for Moore as he prepares to take over as a starter in the Big Ten.

“I feel like my separation is my preparation,” Moore said.

Oregon coach Dan Lanning credited Moore following a practice last week for making an “elite” pre-snap check into what became an explosive play that culminated in a touchdown drive.

It was one of several examples of Moore taking what he’s been taught by Stein in the meeting room and converting it into results on the field in the ultimate game of chess.

“When you make a great check, of course it feels great, especially if it’s a pass check into a run and the run gashes down the middle,” Moore said. “It’s one of the best feelings in the world.”

Though Moore is certainly the overwhelming presumptive starter, Novosad has fared well in his own right. Also a former Elite 11 finalist, Novosad feels he’s proven himself capable of running the offense as directed as well.

“I think I’ve gone out there and executed the offense and done the best that I can,” Novosad said. “I feel confident.”

Neither Moore nor Novosad threw a touchdown during Oregon’s spring game, when third-stringer Luke Moga connected on the lone scoring throw. Though each has made big throws during the last month of practice.

Regardless of whether there is a formal announcement, there are high expectations of the starting quarterback at Oregon, which has four previous QBs in the NFL, without including 2020 starter Tyler Shough and back-to-back Heisman finalists.

“There’s a lot riding on it,” Stein said. “There’s a lot of anxiety for everyone else about who’s it going to be, but I know the person we put out there is going to play winning football for us. The good thing is they don’t have to win it by themselves; we have a great team. We have great players around them, people that are bought in, a coaching staff that is elite as anywhere you’re going to find in the country.”

Oregon (0-0) vs. Montana State (0-0)

• When: Saturday, Aug. 30
• Time: 1 p.m. PT
• Where: Autzen Stadium, Eugene
• TV channel: Big Ten Network
• Stream: DirecTV (free trial) or Fubo (promotional offers). Streaming broadcasts for this game will be available on these streaming services locally in Oregon and Washington, but may not be available outside of the Pacific Northwest, depending on your location.
• Oregon football 2025 season schedule, scores

— James Crepea covers the Oregon Ducks and Big Ten.