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Ducks Proactively Target 2027 Quarterback Class

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, March 16th 2026 at 2:07 GMT by Sports Illustrated
      Locales: Oregon, California, Texas, Washington, Arizona, UNITED STATES

The Post-Daniels Era: A Proactive Approach

The Ducks learned valuable lessons from navigating the quarterback position in recent years. Daniels' success, while impressive, underscores the importance of having capable backups and a clear succession plan. The staff appears to be adopting a proactive approach, aiming to secure a commitment from a quarterback early in the 2027 class - potentially even sooner - to allow for ample development time within the offensive system. Offensive Coordinator Moorhead is heavily involved in the evaluation process, prioritizing quarterbacks who demonstrate both arm talent and, crucially, the intellectual capacity to master a complex offense.

Elite 11 Standouts: A Closer Look

The Indianapolis Elite 11 Regional provided a valuable, albeit compressed, opportunity to assess several key targets. Here's a more detailed analysis of the players highlighted, along with emerging information gathered since the event:

• Blake Heenan (Indiana): Heenan's stock continues to rise. Scouts are now praising not just his arm strength and accuracy, but also his leadership qualities. He's quickly becoming known as a 'quick study,' absorbing coaching points and applying them in real-time drills. Oregon's staff sees a high ceiling with Heenan, believing he could be a multi-year starter. Recent reports suggest Heenan is planning an unofficial visit to Eugene in April.

• Eli Holstein (Alabama): Holstein remains the perceived frontrunner for many analysts. What sets Holstein apart is his advanced understanding of route concepts and his ability to anticipate defensive adjustments before the snap. He possesses a natural feel for the pocket, avoiding pressure and delivering accurate throws under duress. However, competition is fierce, with Alabama, his home state, also heavily pursuing him. Sources indicate Holstein is weighing the opportunity to stay closer to family against the potential for immediate playing time at Oregon.

• Deuce Miller (Illinois): While Oregon historically favors traditional pocket passers, Miller is forcing a re-evaluation of that preference. His athleticism is undeniable - he's a legitimate running threat - but his arm talent has demonstrably improved over the past year. The Ducks are exploring how to best utilize his dual-threat capabilities within their offensive scheme. There's a growing sense that Miller could be a package deal prospect, capable of contributing in multiple ways.

• Marlon Crowder Jr. (Georgia): Crowder's raw potential is tantalizing. While consistency remains a concern, his arm strength is exceptional, and he's shown the ability to make throws that few other high school quarterbacks can. Oregon's development staff believes they can refine his mechanics and decision-making, unlocking his full potential. He's currently considered a high-risk, high-reward prospect.

• Dylan Lonergan (Missouri): Lonergan has steadily climbed the recruiting rankings. He's a prototypical drop-back passer with excellent accuracy and a strong work ethic. He's not necessarily a 'wow' prospect, but he's consistently solid and demonstrates a high football IQ. He is the safest pick of the group.

Beyond Indianapolis: Expanding the Search

The Elite 11 Regional was just one piece of the puzzle. The Ducks are also actively evaluating quarterbacks from other events and through film study. Several under-the-radar prospects have emerged as potential targets, including rising junior players who may not have received as much attention at earlier camps. The staff is also keeping a close eye on the transfer portal, although they are prioritizing high school recruiting for a long-term solution.

Challenges and Opportunities

Securing a top quarterback in the 2027 class will be a significant challenge. Competition from other elite programs is intense, and recruiting landscapes are constantly shifting. Oregon's geographic location - while appealing to many - can be a hurdle in attracting top prospects from certain regions. However, the Ducks have several advantages, including a strong brand, a state-of-the-art football facility, and a proven track record of developing quarterbacks. The success of the program under Lanning and Moorhead is also a significant selling point. The coming months will be crucial as Oregon's coaching staff continues to evaluate, build relationships, and ultimately, secure the future of the quarterback position.