Wednesday War Room: Inside Oregon's QB Battle

 

Inside Oregon’s Quarterback Battle: Confidence, Growth, and an Evolving Offense

EUGENE — With less than three weeks before Oregon opens the 2025 season, the quarterback battle in Eugene has become the defining storyline of fall camp. But if there’s one message coming from offensive coordinator Will Stein, it’s that this competition isn’t fracturing the room — it’s sharpening it.

“Every single one of those kids comes in and works their tail off,” Stein said. “It’s a really healthy room. Guys are bought into the process. They’re their biggest fans, but they’re also competing. I’ve been in a quarterback battle before as a player… when you worry about other people, that’s when you get into trouble. Just do your job. Run the offense.”

That balance — staying competitive without losing cohesion — has been at the heart of Oregon’s offensive evolution. After a sluggish start last season, Stein and his staff are focused on simplicity, efficiency, and trust.

“We’re getting there,” Stein said. “The defense kicked our butt in the first scrimmage, but by the second scrimmage, it was much better. Last week was much better. Guys flying around, doing their job. That was our main focus: do your one of 11. Do your job. Don’t try to do somebody else’s job. Just do yours.”

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Dante Moore: Preparing, Leading, and Earning Trust

Third-year sophomore Dante Moore entered camp as the presumed favorite, and while the decision hasn’t been finalized, his growth has been impossible to ignore.

“It’s my third fall camp right now and it’s crazy how time flies,” Moore said. “This camp has been my best camp. I feel like the best thing for me is being a leader, communicating with the team really well. Of course plays are going to be made, but I feel like my communication has been great. I’m excited.”

For Moore, preparation has been the separator. Having learned behind Dillon Gabriel and Bo Nix, he’s modeled his approach after the veterans who came before him.

“Every quarterback can throw the ball, every quarterback can make the right check,” Moore explained. “But I feel the preparation and understanding what the defense is going to bring… that’s where my separation comes from.”

Moore hasn’t shied away from Oregon’s quarterback tradition — he embraces it without letting it overwhelm him.

“Dillon’s in the NFL, Bo’s in the NFL, Justin Herbert’s in the NFL,” Moore said. “I can see their recipe and their résumé and learn from them, but I don’t want to compare myself. I just want to refine and master my craft so I can be with them one day — and hopefully play against them.”

Stein has noticed Moore’s maturity and natural presence. While he’s careful about comparisons, he offered one that stands out.

“He wears five, he’s got a glove on his left hand… I played with Teddy Bridgewater, and he reminds me a lot of Teddy,” Stein said. “That’s a lofty comparison, but he’s got that kind of moxie, that it factor, that people just gravitate toward.”

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Austin Novosad: Confidence and Consistency

While Moore’s arm talent grabs headlines, junior Austin Novosad has quietly made his case. After two seasons learning Oregon’s system, Novosad’s grasp of the playbook and his steady demeanor have allowed him to shine.

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

Novosad’s focus has been simple: move the ball, protect possessions, and lead.

“When you get in, can you move the ball? Can you score with the offense? Can you take easy completions and ultimately just be that leader for our team?” he said.

Stein praised the development of the offense around Novosad, especially given the youth at receiver, tight end, and running back.

“It’s cool to see the progress,” Novosad added. “With a young offense and young receivers, tight ends, backs — but a lot of talent — you can kind of see the potential. Once we get rolling, it’s going to be fun.”

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Luke Moga: Developing Patience and Presence

For redshirt freshman Luke Moga, fall camp has been about growth more than results. A high-upside athlete, Moga’s development is happening in real time — and his perspective has remained grounded.

“I’m just trying to worry about myself,” Moga said. “Obviously, there’s still a lot of growth I can have. I’ve had a tremendous amount already, but if I take care of everything I can take care of, everything will take care of itself.”

That growth has come in all areas.

“I haven’t played a lot of football,” Moga admitted. “I didn’t play growing up, so just being able to learn from Dillon last year — he was an extraordinary role model. And now with the guys we have, we all bounce things off each other. It’s been everywhere — mentally, emotionally, learning how to handle myself as a quarterback and a leader.”

Moga turned heads with a few big moments in the spring game, flashing his athleticism and comfort in open situations.

“Practice is highly competitive, but there’s nothing like being in front of people,” he said. “You can’t recreate it.”

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Poncho’s Voice: The Anchor of the Offense

While the quarterback battle commands headlines, Stein repeatedly points to one constant stabilizing the offense: junior center Iapani “Poncho” Laloulu.

“Poncho is great,” Stein said. “Since the moment he stepped on campus, he’s just been a shining light to our entire team. He’s the only returning starter on our offense, and he does so much at the line — cadence, protections, run checks. He’s one of the main glue pieces of this program.”

Moore echoed that sentiment.

“Poncho’s a phenomenal teammate,” Moore said. “With a new O-line coming in, you need your center to do it well and Poncho’s been doing it for three years now. He makes great calls, sees pressures, and communicates so well. Having Poncho at center is great for the team.”

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Receivers, Backs, and New Weapons

Oregon’s wide receiver room is young but talented — and Stein singled out one name as the model for consistency.

“Gary Bryant is one of the most consistent football players I’ve ever been around,” Stein said. “He blocks, runs routes at the right depth, makes plays. He’s definitely the leader of that group.”

Novosad sees the upside.

“They’re young, but once you get those guys going and get momentum, it’s dangerous,” he said. “Easy completions, perimeter blocking, and just rotating guys — that’s when we’re at our best.”

In the backfield, Stein has a different challenge: finding touches for a deep and versatile unit.

“It’s really deep, really deep,” Stein said. “Noah [Whittington] is the leader — does everything right. Makhi Hughes, Jay Harris, Jayden Limar, Da’Jaun Riggs — all have had strong camps. Makhi’s taken a step forward this fall, and the young guys, Jordon Davidson and Dierre Hill… I’m starting to call them thunder and lightning. They’re going to be special players here for a long time.”

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What Comes Next

Stein knows the decision at quarterback is coming soon — and while one starter will emerge, the story of this offense will be defined by balance and patience.

“Becoming the starting quarterback is not easy, especially at a place like Oregon,” Stein said. “But the good thing is they don’t have to win it by themselves. We have a great team, great players around them, and a coaching staff as elite as anywhere in the country. Whoever we put out there is going to play winning football for us.”

The Ducks have three weeks to settle on their starter. But one thing is clear: this offense isn’t searching for a savior — it’s building a system where preparation, trust, and execution will matter more than one name on the depth chart.

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Key Takeaways: Oregon’s QB Battle & Offensive Outlook

• Quarterback battle shaping up — Dante Moore’s preparation and leadership have stood out, but Austin Novosad’s efficiency and Luke Moga’s growth keep the competition tight. Will Stein says the decision will come “in the next week or so.”
• Simplified offensive approach — After last year’s slow start, Stein plans to scale back the Week 1 game plan: fewer plays, more focus on execution, and getting players comfortable early.
• Poncho anchors the O-line — Center Iapani “Poncho” Laloulu is the only returning starter and has become the offense’s vocal leader, handling protections and helping young QBs at the line.
• Receivers still young but dangerous — Gary Bryant Jr. leads the group, with Malik Benson and others showing flashes. Depth is thin, but upside is high once they build chemistry.
• Running back depth is a strength — Noah Whittington leads a loaded rotation, with Makhi Hughes James and Jayden Limar behind him. Freshmen Jordan Davidson and Dierre Hill — dubbed “thunder and lightning” — are already turning heads.