Dante Moore vs. Austin Novosad: Who Will Lead the Ducks?
EUGENE, Ore. — As the 2025 season approaches, the Oregon Ducks’ quarterback position is wide open. At the heart of the conversation are Dante Moore, the former UCLA standout and 5-star recruit, and Austin Novosad, the rising sophomore ready to stake his claim.
The Contenders
Dante Moore transferred from UCLA and arrived in Eugene with sky-high expectations. Known for his arm strength, leadership, and poise, he’s seen as the frontrunner—though he knows he still has to earn the job. During media day, Moore declared: “I’m hungry for sure.” That competitive fire stands in sharp contrast to Oregon’s recent seasons, when the QB job seemed nearly settled before practice began .
Austin Novosad may lack Moore’s national notoriety, but he’s drawn praise for his work ethic and steady development in the system. Coaches describe him as a polished learner who’s quick to absorb adjustments and thrives under pressure .
What the Coaches and Media Are Saying
Oregon head coach Dan Lanning has underscored that the upcoming spring and fall camps are critical to evaluate both candidates. He praised recent practices for showcasing Moore’s natural leadership, while also lauding Novosad’s improvement and readiness to step up when needed .
Meanwhile, analysts have noted that while Moore garners much of the spotlight, Novosad fits the Ducks’ quick-tempo offense well. As one College GameDay analyst put it, the decision is much less about who Moore is, and more about how well each adapts to Oregon’s evolving scheme .
On Reddit’s Ducks fan forum, one comment captures the prevailing sentiment:
> “I know it’s very likely to be Dante Moore, but man, I’d love to see Novosad get the nod. Maybe it’s just an underdog mentality sort of thing.”
Keys to Winning the Job
Here are the main factors that will determine who wins the QB competition:
Consistency Under Pressure: Handling Oregon’s fast-paced offense requires flawless timing. Moore’s arm strength is clear; Novosad must prove he can deliver in rhythm.
Command of the Playbook: Novosad’s attention to detail gives him a shot—but Moore’s instincts could offer a higher ceiling.
Leadership in the Locker Room: Moore has already stepped into a vocal leadership role. Novosad will need to earn similar trust from teammates.
Ball Security & Decision‑Making: Oregon emphasizes protecting their QB. Both must show they can keep mistakes minimal.
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Outlook
When asked whether he’s satisfied with where the job stands, Moore replied: “I’m hungry for sure.” That hunger, mixed with Novosad’s steady rise, makes this one of the most intriguing QB battles in Oregon Ducks history. As fall camp nears, the competition promises to be fierce—and the Ducks faithful will be watching every rep.
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