ESPN analyst names Oregon's biggest question entering spring practices
ESPN analyst Paolo Uggetti sees one major question mark facing Oregon heading into spring practices.
The Ducks are rolling under Dan Lanning, and expectations in Eugene are rising as the program embarks on the Big Ten journey. However, Oregon faces the task of replacing Bo Nix, a veteran quarterback and two-year starter as the Ducks went 22-5 under his guidance.
The good news is Oregon has hit the transfer portal to replenish the quarterback room with former Oklahoma and UCF starter Dillon Gabriel and former UCLA QB Dante Moore. Gabriel has the veteran experience though Moore has the potential of a former 5-star recruit.
Now, the two newcomers will be battling for the starting QB job in Eugene. While Gabriel is the likely starter for the 2024 season, Uggetti has the QB battle as Oregon’s biggest question of spring practices.
Here’s what Uggetti says about the battle:
Coming off a 3,660-yard, 30-touchdown season at Oklahoma, Gabriel appears to be the likely choice to start, but Moore’s potential has clearly been unrealized through one season. Moore struggled to lead the Bruins in his first year but showed flashes of what made him one of the top high school quarterbacks in his class. Oregon has national title aspirations, and answering its quarterback question (as well as outfitting an offense around said quarterback) will go a long way toward helping the Ducks actually hoist the trophy.
Gabriel has seen action in parts of 5 seasons and improved his efficiency at Oklahoma, completing 69% of his passes last season. He also set a career-high with 12 rushing touchdowns and has the skill set to thrive with the Ducks.
Meanwhile, Moore was the No. 5 player in the country for the 2023 recruiting class and threw for 1,600 yards with 11 touchdowns and 9 interceptions as a true freshman at UCLA. The typical struggles of a true freshman QB were evident, but it’s possible Lanning’s staff can unlock the next level of Moore’s potential this season.
No matter who lines up under center, Oregon will have expectations to compete for the B1G title and a trip to the 12-team Playoff. That adds even more pressure to a QB battle destined to shape the full story of the 2024 season.