Austin Novosad sends clear message about where he needs to improve to become the Ducks’ starting QB

One of the main reasons behind the Oregon Ducks’ undefeated regular season was quarterback Dillon Gabriel, who is now with the Cleveland Browns in the NFL. Dan Lanning’s challenge will be to find the perfect replacement — and he knows Austin Novosad is a strong candidate to fill that role.

The quarterback competition in Eugene also includes Dante Moore, who many viewed as the frontrunner to start in Week 1. However, nothing has been decided yet, and the head coach is still taking his time before making an official announcement.

Far from taking his foot off the gas, Novosad continues to give his all in every practice, openly acknowledging that he still has plenty to improve if he wants to take control of the offense next weekend.

“Yeah, I think the drive and focus (doesn’t) change, but the execution has to increase,” the talented QB said via On3.com.

“And I think, you know, at the end of the day, like I said, when you’re in, are you helping move the offense? Like can you take easy completions, do your job, you know, read the right guy, those things, pre snap and post snap decisions have to be you know, executed at a high level, and I think that’s what kind of changes.”

Lanning’s final decision

While Dan Lanning has yet to make his final decision on who will be the Ducks’ starting quarterback this NCAAF season, the young but experienced head coach has expressed satisfaction with what he’s seen so far from both Dante Moore, Austin Novosad, and the rest of the quarterback room.

“I’m excited about the growth of everybody in our quarterback room,” he stated to the press. “For me, it’s can they operate the offense at a high level? I think if you go back and look at the moments where those guys first got here and you say ‘we should’ve made this check but we didn’t’ or ‘we shouldn’t have adjusted to this and didn’t.

“It’s just the way you use your cadence to command the offense and the way you break a huddle. All those areas have been a big improvement, and then a couple of plays hit and all of a sudden everybody’s confidence goes up.”

Back in the spotlight

After a stellar 2024-25 campaign that saw the Oregon Ducks finish with a 13-1 record and a Big Ten Conference title, expectations are sky-high as they look to build on their success. The team, which reached the College Football Playoff semifinals before a narrow loss to eventual champions Ohio State, returns a talented core ready to make another run.

Quarterback Dillon Gabriel’s departure leaves a major void, but the team’s potent offense will now be led by incoming transfer and five-star recruit Dante Moore. With a robust returning cast on both sides of the ball, including standout linebacker Jestin Jacobs and a strong offensive line, Oregon is a top contender to not only repeat as Big Ten champions, but to finally break through and reach the national championship game.