8-14-2023 Emerald Media Group - Duck Season

Duck Season

OREGON SPORTS FIND A NEW HOME OREGON SPORTS FIND A NEW HOME

After 108 years, Oregon is leaving the Pac-12. Here’s what comes next.

MONTES: “QUARTERBACK” NETFLIX REVIEW

Oregon legend Marcus Mariota makes his TV debut.

BY NINA-GRACE MONTES

I have always had a sweet spot for sports documentaries. I’m a firm believer that sports have the power to change the world, and documentaries and other types of films do a good job of showing fans that it’s always bigger than a game.

The new Netflix documentary series by Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions and NFL Films gave fans an all-access pass to three different quarterbacks from the 2022 season — Patrick Mahomes, Kirk Cousins and our very own Marcus Mariota.

While the reigning Super Bowl Champion and MVP Mahomes is the reason why everyone turns it on, Cousins and Mariota’s relatability and vulnerability with their struggles on and off the field are the reason viewers stay.

In the opening scene of the first episode, Manning starts by saying that quarterback is the toughest position in all of professional sports. “Quarterback” follows Mahomes, Cousins and Mariota as they navigate the highs and lows of the 2022-23 season, showing an unparalleled look at how these players interact with their families, friends, teammates and opponents while releasing their frustrations and celebrating their victories.

Throughout the entirety of the eight episodes, Mariota makes the least amount of appearances in comparison to Mahomes and Cousins. Episode five is where we are able to get a good sense of his life in the NFL.

But one of the most important scenes for Oregon fans takes place in episode two, where the Falcons hold practice at the University of Washington’s football facility.

During that episode, Mariota talked highly about his time at UO and in Eugene. For him, Eugene was the place where he became the person he is today and it wouldn’t have been possible without the coaching staff and his teammates right next to his side.

At the end of episode four, “Quarterback” really starts to build his storyline. We see him and his wife — who was a former soccer player at Oregon — studying his plays, which they call a weekly habit in their household. The episode shows fans that he’s a really likable guy who plays with humility.

The last time we see Mariota in the show is in Hawaii after he signed with the Philadelphia Eagles to be Jalen Hurts’ backup. Honestly, it’s the most at peace I saw Mariota through the entire show. He mentioned multiple times how much he enjoys being at home and in the Pacific Northwest.

As a Duck — and a general football fan — “Quarterback” made me love Mariota even more and appreciate everything

that a quarterback does and goes through. A lot of times, people have a hard time humanizing professional athletes, especially at the level that Mahomes, Cousins and Mariota are at. But this documentary really showed us that they go through the same things the average person does, which is a good reminder to everyone that at the end of the day, they are just fathers, husbands, brothers, sons and people.

It takes a lot to go on the field every Sunday after being knocked down by 300-plus-pound men who have as much power and speed as you do, but somehow they’re able to do that while balancing their personal lives.

Legendary Oregon Duck Marcus Mariota laughs as he catches up with fellow alumni. The University of Oregon holds their annual spring game at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore., on April 29, 2023. (Jonathan Suni/Emerald)

DAN LANNING SIGNS CONTRACT EXTENSION AHEAD OF 2023 SEASON

It seems 13 games served as a large enough sample size to ink Lanning to a big extension.

BY BRADY RUTH

In December of 2021, the Oregon Ducks announced that they had found their new coach. He was a defensive coordinator in the Southeastern Conference looking for his first head coaching gig, but Oregon seemed convinced that Dan Lanning was their guy. After a successful first season in Eugene that had the Ducks win 10 games, Oregon’s shiny new head coach has already “Lannded” himself a massive contract extension.

“As a coach, all you really want to ever focus on is being at a place where you can win and you can raise your family,” Lanning said. “Since the day I got here, it’s been no secret that I want to be here.”

Oregon fans can look forward to six more years of Duck football with Lanning at the helm.

The Oregon Board of Trustees unanimously voted to approve the terms of the extension, and Lanning agreed to his new deal on July 27. Lanning will make $7 million each season as a part of a $45 million base pay. In his first year with the Ducks, Lanning made $4.6 million plus incentives en route to a very successful initial season, a season that earned him one of the higher-paid positions in college football and second highest in the Pac-12 conference.

The Ducks downed 10 opponents in a conference that saw a record five teams win 10 or more games in 2022. Oregon was competitive right out of the gate with Lanning, and that was all before his recruits arrived in Eugene.

Lanning’s off the field success is arguably just as impressive

as his work on the turf. During his brief tenure at Oregon, Lanning has done some of the most impressive recruiting that Duck fans have seen in some time. In fact, Oregon currently holds the No. 9 ranking in recruiting for the 2023 class, No. 12 in 2024 and No. 3 in 2025 according to 247sports.

Success – and talent – follow this man, and fans in Eugene should be thrilled to see this extension offered and signed.

“Winning. That’s a priority here,” Lanning said. “And we have what it takes to win.”

Coaching changes, buyouts and turnover is unfortunately a common part of today’s game. It’s a pattern that’s burnt Oregon fans in the past, but not one Lanning looks to continue.

“I want to be here,” Lanning said. “Believe it or not. Believe whatever you want. I mean there’s no secret, this is what I want. I said before the grass isn’t always greener. I have everything I want here. There’s a vision for this to continue to grow.”

Lanning also mentioned that the constant moving around that the life of a college coach holds isn’t one that’s easy on his family. He says his kids have lived in eight different states, and it’ll be nice to see some consistency in their lives.

All signs point toward Lanning being with the Ducks for the long haul. If the next six years look anything like the season the Ducks just had, he’ll be worth every penny and there will be lots of meaningful and competitive football on the horizon for Oregon.

“What’s next?” Lanning said. “There’s a lot. So just sit back and watch.”

Head coach Dan Lanning celebrates with his team after winning the Holiday Bowl. The Oregon Ducks face the North Carolina Tar Heels in the annual Holiday Bowl at Petco Park in San Diego, Cali., on Dec. 28, 2022. (Kai Kanzer/Emerald)

OREGON ADDS MORE DEPTH TO THE RUNNING BACK POSITION

Previewing the running back position ahead of the 2023 season.

BY LILY CRANE

Oregon football has added more firepower in 2023 to an already strong running back room. As one of the deepest positions on the roster, the running backs will look to enhance the offense by trying to lead the Pac-12 in rushing.

Despite losing Byron Cardwell and Sean Dollars to the transfer portal, the Ducks will retain a few of its most productive running backs and add two four-star recruits. Here is a breakdown of the five scholarship players for the running back position in 2023.

BUCKY IRVING was a key addition to the Ducks’ offense in 2022 after he transferred from Minnesota. In his first season with Oregon, he led the conference in rushing yards. He recorded 1,058 yards on 158 carries and five touchdowns in 13 games.

Irving’s run game has become a critical weapon to Oregon’s offense. He will without a doubt be an important factor in Oregon’s performance this season.

NOAH WHITTINGTON was Irving’s backup in 2022. He also recorded five touchdowns last season and 779 yards on 139 carries in 13 games.

Running back coach Carlos Locklyn said in the spring that Whittington has added bulk since last season in hopes to compliment Irving’s speed with power. The duo of Whittington and Irving combined for almost 1,900 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. Oregon’s offense could be more dangerous than it already was with the opportunity to improve on those numbers.

JORDAN JAMES impressed as a freshman on the field in 2022 and his role will only grow moving forward. He recorded five touchdowns last season, the most by any Oregon true freshman since Royce Freeman in

2014. James played in nine games and rushed 46 times for 189 yards. He established himself as a shortyard specialist as a freshman. He will likely get more opportunities on the field in 2023 with a year under his wing.

DANTE DOWDELL is one of the two freshman additions in 2023. Dowdell’s listed at 6-foot-2, 210 pounds and will boost the roster with strength and speed. In his senior year of high school, he recorded 2,165 yards. Irving said at Oregon Media Day that the Ducks’ pair of freshmen “took a minute” to acclimate to the college level, but they’ve both improved since their arrival and are going to help the team.

Dowdell will likely see limited time on the field this season as he enters a loaded running back room, but has the tools to be a future starter for the Ducks.

JAYDEN LIMAR is the second four-star running back the Ducks will be welcoming in 2023. He won the 2022 Washington Gatorade Player of the Year as he led his high school to its first state championship in its history. His senior year, he rushed 2,040 yards and 36 touchdowns on 235 carries.

Between Limar and Dowdell, the freshman additions will give the Ducks a lot of options at the position. Oregon will have the option of choosing one for the No. 4 spot or potentially alternating between the two and keep redshirt status.

Oregon will continue its fall camp through August. The season opener is Sept. 2 against Portland State at Autzen Stadium.

Star running back Bucky Irving warms up at the start of practice. (Jonathan Suni/Emerald)

DUCKS TO JOIN BIG TEN

BY BRADY RUTH

Weeks of speculation, predicting, wondering and worrying about what the future of Oregon athletics holds have finally come to an end. The Big Ten Conference announced on August 4 that the Universities of Oregon and Washington will become its newest members at the start of the 2024-25 academic year.

“I’m thrilled that the University of Oregon has the opportunity to join the nation’s preeminent academic-athletic conference,” UO President John Karl Scholz said. “Our student-athletes will participate at the highest level of collegiate athletic competition, and our alumni, friends and fans will be able to carry the spirit of Oregon across the country.”

It’s no secret that NCAA football is in one of its most chaotic and unpredictable periods ever. The adaptation of the name, image and likeness policy to college athletics in 2021 changed the recruiting game forever. Prospects, now with an

opportunity to essentially get paid for playing, are able to choose where to play based on money over anything else. Now, one of the oldest sports in collegiate athletics is experiencing another monumental change: conference realignment.

The first dominoes fell in summer 2021 when Texas and Oklahoma announced they’d be leaving the Big 12 – a conference that had hosted the two powerhouses since 1996 – and joining the Southeastern Conference for the 2024 season.

Pandemonium ensued.

Two years have come and gone since then and conferences are hardly recognizable anymore. UCLA and USC are set to join Oregon and Washington in leaving the Pac-12 at the end of this upcoming season. Houston, BYU, Cincinnati and University of Central Florida have already joined the Big

12 and Colorado, Utah, Arizona and Arizona State plan on heading to the Big 12 in 2024.

It’s madness, and not the kind college sports fans enjoy in March.

These are some of the most trying times that college football fans have had to endure. Fans used to be able to look forward to watching their favorite players on their favorite teams playing storied rivalries week after week.

Now, it seems each team’s schedule, opponents and travel flips a complete 180° each season. It’s a chance to create new rivalries, but hard to see storied matchups come to a close. And, as for watching the favorite players, NIL has made transferring so common and acceptable that now, it’s hard to keep up with who’s on what roster playing against which teams as college football

“EVERY SPORT. OREGON ATHLETICS JUST GOT MUCH, MUCH BIGGER.”

The Ducks charge out of the tunnel prior to kickoff of the Pac-12 championship game. The Oregon Ducks take on the Utah Utes at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nev., on Dec. 3, 2021. (Serei Hendrie/Emerald)

Come 2024, Oregon will join its Pac-12 counterparts Washington, USC and UCLA in the Big Ten Conference.

continues to spiral into complexity.

Maryland and Oregon are in the same conference, BYU and West Virginia suddenly have shared opponents, UCF has gone from a formidable Group of Five opponent to a Big 12 contender and the Pac-12, having been whittled down to four teams, likely won’t exist in a year.

Oregon’s move, specifically, is an intriguing one. On one hand, the Ducks look to bring in more money in the Big Ten than it ever received in the Pac-12. It’s been reported by CBS Sports that Oregon is expected to make $30 million in its first year with the Big Ten — a number that could grow to as much as $60 million over the next few points. From a business standpoint, the realignment makes a lot of sense.

Not to mention, the conference seems happy to welcome Oregon and Washington as its 17th and 18th members.

“When considering the full spectrum of academic, athletic and research excellence, the alignment with our member institutions is extremely clear,” Big Ten Council of Presidents/ Chancellors Chair Robert Jones said. ”We are excited to welcome [Oregon and Washington] and look forward to collaborating and competing with them in the years ahead.”

With the addition of the Ducks and Huskies, the Big Ten will be the biggest NCAA conference in 2024 with a whopping 18 teams. As of now — which seems subject to change, like everything else in the game — the conference will play host to the Universities of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Nebraska, Northwestern, Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State, Purdue, Rutgers, UCLA, USC, Washington and Wisconsin next year.

It’s a geographical nightmare and could make it tricky to navigate student-athlete lives. But, it’s expected that some of this new money will be used to make things as

easy on these athletes as possible.

Regardless, travel time will increase. Instead of traveling to Arizona or Utah, cross-country trips to Maryland and Ohio could become a new reality for Duck athletes. Finding a way to keep up on classes and school work while also balancing playing at the highest collegiate level just became much harder, especially looking at sports like basketball, where multiple-stop road trips are common.

However, things on the Oregon, Washington and Big Ten fronts still

that our membership would remain together, this outcome was always a possibility and we have been working diligently to determine what is next for Washington State Athletics.”

The Ducks have shared a conference with Oregon State since 1915, and a conference without the in-state rival Beavers is a strange reality to accept.

But there could still be substantial history to be written in the Rivalry Series.

“In coming years, the UO will prioritize the long-held traditions, including competition across all sports with Oregon State University,” UO Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Rob Mullens said.

As for this upcoming season, the Pac-12 will be on somewhat of a farewell tour. The dozen West Coast schools will vie for one last football title in the Conference of Champions. Oregon’s schedule for 2023 won’t be altered. But next year, college football powerhouses like Ohio State and Michigan could potentially be playing in Autzen Stadium.

Big Ten baseball, basketball, volleyball and other sports just got significantly stronger with its new Pac-12 additions.

seem fresh and exciting. But the Ducks will be leaving some storied rivalries behind.

The recent movements currently leave Oregon State, Cal, Stanford and Washington State alone in what’s left of the Pac-12. These schools are less than thrilled with Oregon’s decision to leave.

“We are disappointed with the recent decisions by some of our Pac-12 peers,” Washington State University President Kirk Schulz said. “While we had hoped

“Accepting membership into the Big Ten Conference is a transformational opportunity for the University of Oregon to change the short and long-term trajectory of our university and athletics department,” Mullens said in a press release. “The stability and exposure of joining the Big Ten are of great benefit to the University of Oregon, and we are grateful to the Big Ten presidents for inviting us to join the conference. We look forward to the opportunity for our student-athletes to compete in this league, which includes many of the best programs in the nation in every sport.”

Every sport. Oregon Athletics just got much, much bigger.

The victorious Oregon Ducks were crowned Pac-12 champions. Oregon Ducks football took on Utah for the Pac- 12 Championship game at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. on Dec. 6, 2019. (DL Young/Emerald)

NEW DUCKS ON DEFENSE

Oregon’s defensive positions prepare to bring on new recruits.

BY JOE MOORE

Every new college football season comes with a large amount of roster changes, whether through the NFL draft, the transfer portal or by graduating. Luckily, that also means fresh faces will come in to take their spots coming from recruiting, the transfer portal or a player already on the team getting promoted.

Here is a look at what key defensive players the Ducks lost this off-season, and the players who will be tasked with replacing them.

Defensive Line

Important Departing

Players: Treven Ma’ae, Jordon Riley and Braydn Swinson

Important Added

Players: Jordan Burch, Matayo Uiagalelei, A’Mauri Washington and Johnny Bowens

The Ducks lost some key contributors on the defensive line during the off-season: Ma’ae, Riley and Swinson. The trio appeared in every game for the Ducks in 2022, with the only exception being Swinson missing the Holiday Bowl due to previously entering the transfer portal.

The Ducks’ only transfer portal addition on the defensive line was Jordan Burch, who seems poised to be a starter as soon as he puts on an Oregon uniform following a very strong season at South Carolina, where he played every game for the Gamecocks and totaled 60 tackles.

The Ducks did serious work bringing in new linemen during recruiting. Matayo Uiagalelei is a five-star prospect who will likely see many snaps as a freshman, potentially at both defensive end and outside

linebacker. A’Mauri Washington and Johnny Bowens are both four-star prospects and could see some snaps as injury replacements, but probably will not start too high on the depth chart.

Linebackers

Important Departing Players: Noah Sewell, Justin Flowe, D.J. Johnson and Keith Brown

Important Added Players: Connor Soelle, Jestin Jacobs and Jamal Hill

The Ducks lost a handful of valuable contributors at the

limited to just two games last season due to injury, was incredible for Iowa in his last full season, where he racked up 53 tackles over his 14 games played.

Secondary

Important Departing Players: Christian Gonzalez, Bennett Williams and Jamal Hill

Important Added Players: Evan Williams, Nikko Reed, Khyree Jackson and Cole Martin

The Ducks lost Christian Gonzalez and Bennett Williams as well as the aforementioned Hill position swap. That leaves a couple holes in the secondary that Oregon will have to fill. Gonzalez, Williams and Hill combined for 172 tackles this past season, and all appeared in every game aside from Gonzalez opting out of the Holiday Bowl due to his draft projection.

linebacker positions, with the most notable being Sewell, one of Oregon’s top defenders last season. They also lost Flowe, Johnson and Brown who each played in at least ten of the Ducks’ contests last season, all having more than 20 total tackles.

The main new additions for Oregon both came through the transfer portal. Connor Soelle from Arizona State and Jestin Jacobs from Iowa both project as starters for this upcoming season. Soelle tallied 30 tackles through his 12 games as a Sun Devil last year. Jacobs, who was

Evan Williams, Nikko Reed and Khyree Jackson make up Oregon’s biggest pickups in the transfer portal in the secondary. Williams and Reed both played significant roles for Fresno State and Colorado respectively last season and totaled 111 tackles between the two of them. Jackson had just seven tackles last season, but could see a big jump in both responsibilities and numbers as he enters an Oregon defense that favors athletic cornerbacks.

Cole Martin was the biggest recruit for the secondary, as he comes in with a four-star ranking. He totaled 84 tackles in his senior season and seems ready to make the jump to the college level. He might not begin the season as a starter, but could challenge some of the veterans for snaps.

The Ducks will kick off their season on Sept. 2 against Portland State, giving these new recruits a chance to show what they’re all about.

Oregon defensive end Braydn Swinson (44) charges across the field with Beavers tight end Luke Musgrave (88) clinging on to him. The University of Oregon Ducks hosted and defeated the Oregon State Beavers 38-29, claiming the Pac-12 North champions title. (Emerald/ Ian Enger)

WHAT DUCK FANS CAN EXPECT UNDER NEW OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR WILL STEIN. COACHING

STAFF PREVIEW

BY JOE KRASNOWSKI

As UO’s newly hired offensive coordinator, Will Stein understood what he had to replace: an offense that was sixth in total offense and had put up 38.8 points per game in 2022, one that led the Ducks to a win in the Holiday Bowl and one that had just received news Bo Nix would return for another year as quarterback for the Ducks. After former offensive coordinator Kenny Dillingham’s departure from Eugene was announced, head coach Dan Lanning — a defensive-minded coach — knew what framework he wanted for his next offensive coordinator.

Stein’s game plan as offensive coordinator is simple. “Get the best players the ball as many times as possible,” he said after the 2023 spring game. Getting the ball in a playmaker’s hands quickly is what Oregon specialized in. In 2022, Oregon ranked fifth in the nation in team passing efficiency, relying heavily on Nix, Irving and Franklin to drive the offense downfield.

WHAT OREGON DID WELL IN 2022

The Ducks’ offense in 2022 utilized playmakers well. By getting the ball out of Nix’s hands quickly, Oregon allowed the fewest number of sacks and had the highest pass completion percentage in all of college football. Franklin looks to have another big year after he caught nine touchdowns in 2022 and received All-Pac-12 honors. Stein builds his offense around running the ball often, getting the ball to skill players in the open field and taking shots down the field. Similar to what Oregon did with Dillingham, the Ducks will prioritize the running game in 2023, focusing on dominating the line of scrimmage behind returning senior lineman Steven Jones.

WHAT STEIN BRINGS TO EUGENE

Under Stein, the University of Texas at San Antonio’s quarterback Frank Harris rushed for 602 yards and nine touchdowns in 2022. Stein frequently had Harris out of the pocket, rolling out and connecting with receivers down the

field. At UTSA, Stein often used run-pass options to exploit defenses and provide his quarterbacks with several options.

Expect frequent motion out of the Ducks’ backfield in 2023. At UTSA, Stein frequently called plays out of the shotgun using a pre-snap motion to confuse defenses.

At a coaching clinic in 2022, Stein repeated his offensive philosophy. “We want to throw the ball down the field, right? We say two times a quarter, that’s eight a game.”

This offensive philosophy should be familiar to Ducks fans, after seeing Dillingham often use Franklin and other weapons downfield throughout the season.

WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2023

Oregon’s main issue offensively was red zone scoring. The Ducks ranked 64th in the country in red zone scoring percentage. Under Dillingham, the Ducks struggled to score key touchdowns late in games, especially against Washington and Oregon State. Against the Beavers, Oregon got into the red zone four times, only coming up with three field goals and an interception returned for a touchdown.

Under Stein, UTSA ranked 33rd in red zone scoring. Stein will prioritize the power run and option plays in the red zone. Nix rushed for 14 touchdowns for the Ducks last year and shined particularly in the red zone. Stein will emphasize the run with Irving, who ran for 1058 yards in 2022 and is poised to follow up his breakout campaign.

Junior tight end Terrance Ferguson’s health will be a significant factor in the Ducks’ red zone scoring. Ferguson was featured in the red zone as a pass catcher as well as in the run offense. Ferguson, who tallied 391 yards and five touchdowns in 2022, has been out since the spring season with an undisclosed lower-body injury.

Stein led UTSA to the ninth best offense in the country last season, with UTSA having the 82nd and 74th best recruiting classes in 2021 and 2022. Stein is expected to make the most of Oregon’s immense offensive talent and recruiting ability.

“Plays are overrated altogether,” Stein said. “It’s about the players. And at Oregon, we have unbelievable players.”

Coach Dan Lanning and the Oregon Duck take a look at the 2023 Oregon Football team. The University of Oregon holds their annual spring game at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore., on April 29, 2023. (Jonathan Suni/Emerald)

BO NIX SUITS UP FOR ONE MORE SEASON

Coach Dan Lanning said. “We are going to lean on him.”

Aside from his statistics, Nix served as a natural leader to his team during his debut season at Oregon. It is expected that he will continue to fill this role on and off the field for his final collegiate season. During the 2023 Football Media Day on July 31, he spoke on the importance of building trust and transparency within the team in order to find success during games.

“As a quarterback, my job is to build that trust and chemistry so when we go out there on the field in the fourth quarter playing a tough opponent, we don’t have to worry about whether someone is going to be there or ‘can I count on this guy to give effort?’” Nix said.

Nix is returning to lead the Oregon quarterback room for one final year.

BY EMMA LOGAN

quarterback squad and is a member of the 2023 signing class. Novosad is a four-star recruit out of Texas who is the No. 12 ranked pocket passer according to ESPN, as well as the 272nd on the ESPN 300 rankings for 2023. Sanders was a three-star recruit and has not seen any game actions as a true freshman during his time with Oregon in 2022.

Heading into the season, Nix explained that the best way for them to approach the season is to prepare for each day as if they are the starter and to compete each day like they are the backup. Nix believes that the healthy competition between this group will help to make sure the position is in good hands no matter who takes the field.

The backbone of every football team is its quarterback. Luckily, Oregon has depth in this position with returning senior Bo Nix and intentions to grow its younger players. Nix is set to return for his final year of eligibility and for his second season as a Duck.

In his first year with Oregon, Nix had 3,593 total passing yards with 294 completions and a 71.9 completion percentage. He totaled 29 touchdown passes, 14 rushing touchdowns and even a receiving touchdown. At the end of the 2022 season, Nix led the Pac-12 in Quarterback Ranking with an 87.0 –just ahead of 2022 Heisman candidate Caleb Williams from University of Southern California.

“It is no secret that we have a really great quarterback,” Oregon Head

Behind Nix, the Oregon football program has returning sophomore Ty Thompson, redshirt freshman Marcus Sanders and freshman Austin Novosad. As a leader of this position, Nix knows the importance of them working together to help everyone grow.

“Ty may see something that he teaches me. I may see something that I teach Austin. We’re all on the same team and motivated to do the same thing. Whatever we have to do to win games,” Nix said.

Thompson is a former fourstar recruit who was the backup quarterback to Nix last season. In 2022, he played 66 offensive snaps and collected 72 total yards in 20 passing attempts for a 55.0 completion percentage. Novosad is the newest member to the Oregon

One thing about sports and football in general is the unpredictability. At any point, the star players can be out of the game and being able to replace the starters with the backups is crucial for success. Lanning said that having the rest of his team ready for a high level of play is going to be key to their success. This year, the quarterback room will train to ensure that there is not a drop-off in level of play — even when a backup player may have to enter the game.

“The expectation is that they train to become the next guy up,” Lanning said. “They train to become the guy that’s on the field.” Lanning said this tactic is being applied to all positions across the team, not just for the quarterbacks.

The Oregon Ducks take the field for the first time on Sept. 2 against the Portland State Vikings at 12 p.m. This will be the first opportunity for these quarterbacks to put their work to the test.

Bo Nix smiles as his team finishes the game strong. The University of Oregon holds their annual spring game at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore., on April 29, 2023. (Jonathan Suni/Emerald)

JADA Y.

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in Political Science

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