Recruiting in college football is a continuous process, and for the Oregon Ducks, this remains true even as they aim for a potential Rose Bowl berth. With the College Football Playoffs on the horizon, the Ducks must also look toward the future, especially regarding the quarterback position. The looming question is how they will approach life after Dillon Gabriel, especially given the growing importance of the transfer portal. With the portal in full swing, Oregon must assess whether they should seek another plug-and-play starting quarterback, as they have done in recent seasons, or whether it’s time to trust the talent already on the roster.
Currently, the Ducks have two quarterbacks returning: Austin Novosad and Dante Moore. Moore, a highly touted five-star recruit, is considered the likely starter for the 2025 season. Having spent the current season learning under Gabriel, Moore is primed to take over the starting role. While his playing time has been limited thus far, his potential has been on full display. Novosad, though less heralded than Moore, also brings promise to the position. Both players have been valuable assets during their time with the team and provide Oregon with a solid foundation at quarterback moving forward.
Additionally, Oregon has strengthened its quarterback position by recruiting a strong class of incoming freshmen. Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, a highly regarded quarterback from Hawaii, has broken multiple passing records previously set by Dillon Gabriel in high school. Sagapolutele has significant upside, and his arrival helps keep Oregon’s pipeline of talent strong. Alongside him is Akili Smith Jr., who brings a sense of legacy to the Ducks’ program. The son of former Oregon quarterback Akili Smith, he has been committed to Oregon since the summer. Although not as highly ranked as some other recruits, Smith has the physical tools and the frame (standing 6’5″ and weighing 233 lbs) to develop into a strong quarterback. Both Smith and Sagapolutele will join the program and compete for the future starting role, adding depth and competition to an already talented quarterback room.
The Ducks’ recent history in the transfer portal has been marked by successful acquisitions, with high-profile quarterbacks like Bo Nix and Dillon Gabriel joining the program in the past two years. However, this offseason seems different, as there is no clear-cut transfer portal quarterback with the same level of pedigree and talent as previous years. Although there are some quarterbacks available in the portal, none appear to have the potential to immediately step in as a starting quarterback in the same way Gabriel did. As a result, Oregon may need to look inward and evaluate the quarterbacks they already have on the roster.
It may be time for the Ducks to turn to the young talent they have in-house. Dante Moore, entering his third season, appears ready to take over as the starter. The coaching staff, led by head coach Dan Lanning, believes in Moore’s ability to lead the team. Given his immense talent and the confidence the school has in him, it makes sense for Oregon to give him a chance to prove himself in live game situations. There are several factors that support this decision: Moore’s talent, the favorable 2025 schedule, and the strong backup option in Novosad, assuming he remains on the roster. If Moore struggles, Novosad is a capable backup who could step in and keep the offense running smoothly.
Ultimately, Oregon’s focus will always be on winning, and if they believe there is a quarterback in the portal who can immediately elevate the team’s chances of success, they will pursue that option. However, this year may present a unique opportunity for the Ducks to rely on their young talent. The quarterback position is stacked with promise, and with the incoming freshmen and returning players, Oregon has the pieces in place to build a strong future. With Moore potentially taking over as the starter and the option of Novosad as a reliable backup, the Ducks may feel confident enough to focus on internal development rather than seeking an external solution. The future of Oregon football could very well be in the hands of these young quarterbacks, with the transfer portal serving as more of a backup plan than a primary avenue for improvement. The upcoming offseason presents a critical decision for Oregon, but for now, it seems that the Ducks’ best options are already on their roster, with promising talent waiting in the wings.
