Quarterback #1 is Dante Moore and there is no debate.

Now what happens if Dante gets dinged up (God forbid) in an important game like at Iowa. What is the real depth in this QB room as opposed to what is on paper. Is Brock Thomas really #2? Maybe he deserves it but is he good enough? Are Austin Novosad and Luke Moga both choosing to redshirt and are really not available? Is Akili Smith Jr. available? I am confused and not in a good way. Any thoughts?

I was wondering the same thing when Brock Thomas was put in to relieve Dante Moore. What happened to Novosad and Moga?

I don't think Novosad or Moga have redshirts at this point. Pretty sure Novosad used his in 23 with Nix's last season.

Pretty sure Moga has also burned a redshirt sitting behind Gabriel.

So I haven't got a clue what is going on but I'm pretty sure there aren't any redshirts here.

Now.. i did read a rumor that maybe they are trying to get Novosad a medical redshirt and for that he can't appear in any additional games while being injured. But that's just a rumor and I have zero evidence.

10 minutes ago, David Marsh said:

I don't think Novosad or Moga have redshirts at this point. Pretty sure Novosad used his in 23 with Nix's last season.

Pretty sure Moga has also burned a redshirt sitting behind Gabriel.

So I haven't got a clue what is going on but I'm pretty sure there aren't any redshirts here.

Now.. i did read a rumor that maybe they are trying to get Novosad a medical redshirt and for that he can't appear in any additional games while being injured. But that's just a rumor and I have zero evidence.

I didn’t see Novosad on the injury report. It’s going to be hard to get a medical redshirt authorized if he isn’t listed as injured.

Oregon's official roster on goducks.com lists Novosad as a redshirt sophomore and Moga as a redshirt freshman. Interesting rumor about a possible medical redshirt for Novosad. I would guess that the coaches hope to redshirt freshman Akili Smith JR.

So if both Moga and Novosad have burned their redshirt, then why are they not brought in to play or has Brock Thomas beat them out on the depth chart? Who comes in if we need backup and are in a real tight game?

9 minutes ago, DrJacksPlaidPants said:

I didn’t see Novosad on the injury report. It’s going to be hard to get a medical redshirt authorized if he isn’t listed as injured.

Yeah I'm not sure about it. Just passing it on for the hell of it. But again I have no evidence.

I also don't know quite how official the injury reports are. They need to be filed in know but how definitive do they actually need to be?

Maybe Lanning is looking to make BT a Justin 2.0? He's an Oregonian.

Never seen this before at Oregon! Both backups have used their redshirt year, and both are in uniform on the sidelines...but don't play in garbage time?

No facts or explanations on the other sites, except the same speculation as we have here. Just that thread on ScoopDuck alone is enough to make me very grateful for the community here. There are a ton of attacks on each other for simply disagreeing, or scolding each other for bringing up the question, etc.

Civility is highly underrated.

1 minute ago, Charles Fischer said:

Just that thread on ScoopDuck alone is enough to make me very grateful for the community here. There are a ton of attacks on each other for simply disagreeing, or scolding each other for bringing up the question, etc.

I was banned on scoopduck from talking and linking a FishDuck article.

I think I have only ever posted over there 5 times.

It's a crazy place over there that's for sure.

Go there for the inside information come to FishDuck for the conversation. That's for sure.

Thanks for everything that you do Charles.

1 minute ago, Charles Fischer said:

Never seen this before at Oregon! Both backups have used their redshirt year, and both are in uniform on the sidelines...but don't play in garbage time?

I haven’t seen this before anywhere. Usually there is a solid backup pecking order but each week the #2 QB seems to change this year at Oregon.

Perhaps Brock Thomas beat the other QBs out? Maybe we see someone else get the second string reps next week?

3 minutes ago, OregonDucks said:

Perhaps Brock Thomas beat the other QBs out?

Highly unlikely... Novosad throws a pretty nice ball and Moga has athleticism that Thomas just doesn't have.

OK guys...this is a TERRIBLE thought, but I will share it for your reactions, and thank goodness I am on a site where people cannot attack me personally.

What if...both Moga and Novosad have told the coaches they are leaving in the portal at the end of the season? Perhaps Dante has already told them that he is returning next year? So, the coaches are playing the only QB who might be back next year?

But the two QBs understand that they will be playing if Dante gets hurt?

Meanwhile Akili Smith Jr. is using a redshirt, and only has four games to use this year. My understanding is that he was not on the travel squad, which makes sense if you are already taking four QBs on the trip.

As the third quarter beatdown progressed, I was eagerly anticipating an answer to this confusing question but nope. I can accept the Novo talk of caution due to injury but that does not explain the Moga disappearance.

Against Indiana when the offense was clearly figured out and was completely shutdown, I was expecting to see some sort of Moga trickery to show up to throw the Indy D off and maybe find some momentum but nope.

Something seems to be going on behind the scenes that we may not find out until after the season. Enquiring minds want to know!

21 minutes ago, The Kamikaze Kid said:

I was expecting to see some sort of Moga trickery to show up to throw the Indy D off and maybe find some momentum but nope.

Against Indy there was nothing strange or interesting about the Oregon offense... Other than it's ineptitude.

We had three strange plays in one series against Rutgers. It really felt like there was a lack of creativity from the offensive scheming side of things against Indiana.

I think Mr. FishDuck may be on the money with this one. If both Novosad and Moga are going to the portal, they both have enough talent to start somewhere IMHO. Coach Lanning was just fine with Brock Thomas in the mop up role against Rutgers. If Novosad and Moga suited up and traveled with the team, surely they would be available if needed. Right?

My question is why are no reporters asking our coach this?

This is what Novosad said back in June, 2025. Has he changed his trajectory about his future with the Ducks? Only time will tell if this stays true.

Oregon QB Austin Novosad Ends Transfer Speculation With Clear Statement About His Future

“I’m a competitor, I love the program, I did not want to leave,” Novosad said. “I think Coach Stein and Coach Lanning speak for themselves. Just the consistency I mentioned earlier, they show that every day.”

Novosad continued, “I wanted to be at a program where I could showcase my ability and set myself up for the future.”

‘Set Myself Up for the Future’ — Oregon QB Austin Novosad Shuts Down Transfer Rumors With Bold Message

1 hour ago, Charles Fischer said:

OK guys...this is a TERRIBLE thought, but I will share it for your reactions, and thank goodness I am on a site where people cannot attack me personally.

What if...both Moga and Novosad have told the coaches they are leaving in the portal at the end of the season? Perhaps Dante has already told them that he is returning next year? So, the coaches are playing the only QB who might be back next year?

But the two QBs understand that they will be playing if Dante gets hurt?

Meanwhile Akili Smith Jr. is using a redshirt, and only has four games to use this year. My understanding is that he was not on the travel squad, which makes sense if you are already taking four QBs on the trip.

Not sure it’s a terrible thought at all. Could well be that Smith is next up, be it next year or the year after, and we go into the portal if needed. There’s no way to groom (and keep) 3 future QBs at once in the portal era.

Edited 9 hours ago9 hr by JabbaNoBargain

2 hours ago, Charles Fischer said:

Never seen this before at Oregon! Both backups have used their redshirt year, and both are in uniform on the sidelines...but don't play in garbage time?

No facts or explanations on the other sites, except the same speculation as we have here. Just that thread on ScoopDuck alone is enough to make me very grateful for the community here. There are a ton of attacks on each other for simply disagreeing, or scolding each other for bringing up the question, etc.

Civility is highly underrated.

Is ScoopDuck following in the footsteps of OregonLive?

30 minutes ago, woundedknees said:

Is ScoopDuck following in the footsteps of OregonLive?

SD has been toxic for years, but not quite the cesspool that OregonLive used to be.

Novosad has been listed as "questionable" on the pre-game injury reports for several weeks. Some type of muscular issue in his back. Moga, I have no clue.

As I suggested yesterday, there may be some type of "agreement" with the coaching staff to preserve as much of their eligibility as possible in the event they want to portal. While they agree to stay on the roster in the event of an emergency.

On the other hand, some game film would help their chances to be picked from the portal?

While they aren't playing future opponents don't have much film to scout.

If Moore returns the absence of in-game experience for the two is less of an issue. But, if he doesn't return, you would think Stein would want to see them under-fire before 2026?

Novosad makes sense. It opens up the possibility of an extra medical redshirt season down the road. Moga must be hurt. I think if you can get a rFR QB 100+ snaps as primary backup, most places do it.

Even though he doesn't have a ton of snaps, Novosad was a former top (#126 nationally, #10 QB, with listed visits to Oregon, Ohio State, and Baylor) who has sat behind some very good QBs. Opening up a possible 6th year might be a nod to a guy who has been behind two current NFL starters and a possible future NFL 1st rounder.

Moga was a more developmental prospect (#516 nationally, #33 QB, with only an Oregon visit listed); and, it would seem more beneficial to push his development now to see where he is at if the opportunity is there (rather than an abundance of concern over 2029). That isn't a slight on Moga, it is the more regular college path to future meaningful pt. Even if he had fallen behind Thomas, there probably was a series or two available for him at Rutgers. Having almost nothing on film since high school for a former #516 recruit doesn't help finding a top transfer destination either. A guess but hurt (something like a lingering shoulder or hamstring) makes the most sense here.

I'll add my meandering thoughts to this topic......the modern era of portal/NIL complicates traditional reason in this situation. Risk aversion has elevated in primacy. So has program narrative (team brand) to attract recruits/transfers.

Novosad: has expressed his intention to stay and be developed. He is probably getting ample reps in practice to stay sharp and manage his health. If Dante can't play for an extended period of time, we could see him play and he is ready. Playing him in backup with a huge lead doesn't advance this strategy and would only attract NIL competition for him and build tape for opponents to study.

Moga: somewhat likely to transfer. He can play as a starter somewhere next Fall but is unlikely to supplant Novo. Again if Dante is long term unavailable he elevates to 2nd string behind Novo and is available. Playing him in blowouts is of limited value.

Thomas: most likely to transfer. Capable but undersized for P4. Local kid, loyal to the program and helps build the culture narrative. The program wants to elevate him as payback for walking on and contributing. Mop up duty helps him promote himself for transfer, communicates brand values. Low risk great story.

The message is we value you as an individual talent and will help drive with your brand mission so long as it aligns with the team's. Or, I have deluded myself into this pretzel logic because I am a huge Duck homer.

Both Moga and Novosad traveled and were suited up on the sidelines. Both have already burned their redshirts.

If Moga and Novosad both intend to transfer at the end of the season, wouldn’t you suit up and travel Smith as your 3rd QB?

Just doesn’t seem to add up.

Don't forget these young men are on scholarship. If they know they won't make the pros, perhaps being on scholarship in a great program is enough, regardless of playing time. Hate to enter the portal and not get picked, and then not continue getting a free college education.

7 hours ago, Charles Fischer said:

SD has been toxic for years, but not quite the cesspool that OregonLive used to be.

SD has a group that has their view and they never want to be challenged.

I need to do quite a bit of research, and not sure it will happen, but there is a narrative there that the Oregon linebackers are absolute garbage.

I'm not at all convinced by their argument that has no analysis attached but is just angry screaming at anyone who disagrees. I know linebackers have tons of roles to fill and depending on what they are doing on any given play their impact may not be seen or recorded on a stat sheet. Again... I would need to do further research on this one.

16 minutes ago, MB Yachats said:

Don't forget these young men are on scholarship. If they know they won't make the pros, perhaps being on scholarship in a great program is enough, regardless of playing time. Hate to enter the portal and not get picked, and then not continue getting a free college education.

They are also getting paid well via NIL and if they invest it right they can set themselves up well after college.

Better than the vast majority of college grads for sure.

1 hour ago, idontrollonshobbas said:

Moga: somewhat likely to transfer. He can play as a starter somewhere next Fall but is unlikely to supplant Novo. Again if Dante is long term unavailable he elevates to 2nd string behind Novo and is available. Playing him in blowouts is of limited value.

I don't know, do we know this? He had a nice run in one of the spring games (plus some further flashes), and 5 passes and 3 rushes combined at the ends of the first 3 games. As a QB outside the top 30 national prospects as a HS senior, I don't know how many FBS program (P4 or otherwise) would know enough to strongly recruit him for anything more than the position he already has at Oregon (most likely number 3 or 4 QB with an outside shot at 1 or 2).

Recruit him because he went to Oregon? Oregon spits out its share of Ty Thompsons, Braxton Burmeisters, and Jeff Lockies. He could transfer to a place and get in the mix for a starting job, but I don't know if even much of FCS is even a complete lock. Montana State's QB was a transfer from Stanford. Tradition powers North Dakota State and South Dakota State both plugged in 5th year seniors from inside their program into open starting spots.

There would seem to be plenty of benefit to playing him now. There have been like 5 games where there have been whole forth quarters for a backup to show (to a degree) how his skills look against FBS teams still playing a lot of starters (he might even be so good, you have confidence to add 1-2 plays outside of "garbage time" using him).

Two Duck coaches and one Tulane coach (through a fall camp) thought Ty Thompson was a #2 who might be capable of being a #1 someday watching him in practice. It was through stepping on the field they all realized they were playing a future back-up TE at QB.

I just don't see how a guy with 5 career passes and 3 career rushes would receive "limited benefit" from playing?

17 minutes ago, AnotherOD said:

I don't know, do we know this? He had a nice run in one of the spring games (plus some further flashes), and 5 passes and 3 rushes combined at the ends of the first 3 games. As a QB outside the top 30 national prospects as a HS senior, I don't know how many FBS program (P4 or otherwise) would know enough to strongly recruit him for anything more than the position he already has at Oregon (most likely number 3 or 4 QB with an outside shot at 1 or 2).

Recruit him because he went to Oregon? Oregon spits out its share of Ty Thompsons, Braxton Burmeisters, and Jeff Lockies. He could transfer to a place and get in the mix for a starting job, but I don't know if even much of FCS is even a complete lock. Montana State's QB was a transfer from Stanford. Tradition powers North Dakota State and South Dakota State both plugged in 5th year seniors from inside their program into open starting spots.

There would seem to be plenty of benefit to playing him now. There have been like 5 games where there have been whole forth quarters for a backup to show (to a degree) how his skills look against FBS teams still playing a lot of starters (he might even be so good, you have confidence to add 1-2 plays outside of "garbage time" using him).

Two Duck coaches and one Tulane coach (through a fall camp) thought Ty Thompson was a #2 who might be capable of being a #1 someday watching him in practice. It was through stepping on the field they all realized they were playing a future back-up TE at QB.

I just don't see how a guy with 5 career passes and 3 career rushes would receive "limited benefit" from playing?

I guess the other options are injuries or bad coaching?

Edited 39 minutes ago39 min by idontrollonshobbas

Yeah, just trying to guess at what makes sense?

I could see Stein getting one of the 200 jobs opening up and taking Novosad to help jump start installing his offense. Keeping open the option of a second redshirt year ends up being a tip of the cap to both guys. Moga must have a lingering injury they don't want risk unless absolutely necessary.

Could completely be wrong 🙂

Edited 19 minutes ago19 min by AnotherOD