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Oregon Ducks Quarterback Competition Heating Up

Oregon Ducks Quarterback Competition Intensifies: Dante Moore and Austin Novosad Battle for Backup Role Behind Dillon Gabriel

In the high-stakes world of college football, the Oregon Ducks are witnessing a fierce quarterback competition that's capturing attention as the team prepares for a pivotal season. With veteran transfer Dillon Gabriel firmly entrenched as the starting quarterback, the real intrigue lies in the battle for the backup position, where UCLA transfer Dante Moore and redshirt freshman Austin Novosad are pushing each other to new heights. Head coach Dan Lanning and offensive coordinator Will Stein have been vocal about the progress and potential of these young signal-callers, emphasizing how their development is crucial to the Ducks' offensive depth and long-term success.

The competition heated up during Oregon's spring practices, where both Moore and Novosad showcased flashes of brilliance that have the coaching staff excited. Dante Moore, a highly touted recruit who transferred from UCLA after a challenging freshman season, brings a wealth of raw talent to Eugene. At UCLA, Moore appeared in nine games, throwing for over 1,600 yards with 11 touchdowns, but his performance was marred by turnovers and the typical growing pains of a true freshman in a Power Five conference. Now at Oregon, he's adapting to a new system under Stein's guidance, and early reports suggest he's making significant strides in decision-making and pocket presence. Lanning has praised Moore's arm talent and athleticism, noting that his ability to extend plays with his legs adds a dynamic element to the offense. "Dante has that 'it' factor," Lanning said in a recent press conference. "He's got the tools to be special, and we're seeing him grow every day in our practices."

Not to be outdone, Austin Novosad has emerged as a serious contender in this QB room. As a redshirt freshman, Novosad spent last season learning the ropes behind then-starter Bo Nix, absorbing the intricacies of Stein's pro-style offense. Novosad, a former four-star recruit from Texas, possesses a strong arm and impressive accuracy on deep throws, traits that align perfectly with Oregon's vertical passing game. During spring ball, he impressed with his poise under pressure and quick release, earning reps with the second-team offense. Stein has highlighted Novosad's football IQ and work ethic, describing him as a "student of the game" who spends extra hours in the film room breaking down defenses. "Austin's got that competitive fire," Stein commented. "He's not backing down from anyone, and that's exactly what we need in this room."

This quarterback battle is more than just a depth chart skirmish; it's a testament to Oregon's recruiting prowess and player development under Lanning's leadership. Since taking over as head coach in 2022, Lanning has transformed the Ducks into a national contender, emphasizing a tough, physical brand of football while fostering a culture of competition. The addition of Gabriel, a proven starter from Oklahoma with over 14,000 career passing yards, provides stability at the top, allowing Moore and Novosad to develop without the immediate pressure of starting. However, Lanning has made it clear that the backup role is wide open, and the competition will continue into fall camp. "We're not handing anything out," Lanning stated. "These guys are earning every rep, and it's making our entire offense better."

Offensive coordinator Will Stein plays a pivotal role in this dynamic. Known for his innovative play-calling that blends a balanced run game with explosive passing concepts, Stein has tailored the offense to maximize the strengths of his quarterbacks. For Moore, that means incorporating more RPO (run-pass option) plays to leverage his mobility, while Novosad's precision passing fits seamlessly into Stein's emphasis on timing routes and intermediate throws. Stein's track record speaks for itself; under his guidance last season, Bo Nix threw for over 4,500 yards and led the Ducks to a Fiesta Bowl victory. Now, with Gabriel as the centerpiece, Stein is focused on building depth that could prove invaluable in case of injury or during blowout games where backups get meaningful snaps.

The broader context of Oregon's program adds layers to this competition. As the Ducks transition to the Big Ten Conference this fall, they'll face stiffer competition from powerhouses like Ohio State, Michigan, and Penn State. Having a reliable backup quarterback could be the difference in a grueling schedule that includes road trips to hostile environments. Moore's experience at UCLA, where he navigated the Pac-12's challenges, gives him an edge in adapting to the physicality of Big Ten play. Meanwhile, Novosad's familiarity with the Oregon system—having redshirted and practiced against the Ducks' elite defense—positions him as a quick-study option if called upon.

Fans and analysts alike are buzzing about the potential long-term implications. With Gabriel likely in his final year of eligibility, the winner of this backup battle could be the heir apparent for 2025. Moore, at just 19 years old, has the pedigree of a former five-star recruit and could blossom into a star with another year of seasoning. Novosad, slightly older but with less game experience, represents the homegrown talent that Lanning loves to develop. Regardless of who emerges as the clear No. 2, the competition is fostering growth and resilience in both players.

Lanning summed it up best: "This is what college football is all about—guys competing, pushing each other, and getting better every day. Dante and Austin are embodying that spirit, and it's going to pay dividends for our team." As Oregon gears up for what could be a championship-caliber season, the quarterback room's depth ensures they're prepared for whatever challenges come their way. The Ducks' offense, already loaded with weapons like wide receivers Tez Johnson and Evan Stewart, plus a stout running back corps, stands to benefit immensely from this internal rivalry. In Eugene, the future looks bright, and the heat of this QB competition is only adding fuel to the fire.

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Read the Full Sports Illustrated Article at:
[ https://www.si.com/college/oregon/football/oregon-ducks-quarterback-competition-heating-up-dante-moore-austin-novosad-dan-lanning-will-stein-offense ]