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By Jett Hatch
Contributing Sports Writer
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Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning is navigating a flurry of roster movement as the college football offseason and NCAA transfer portal window are in full swing, and the quarterback room is taking center stage.
Two Former 4-Stars Leave Oregon
Oregon recently saw former four-star quarterback Austin Novosad enter the transfer portal after spending multiple seasons in Eugene. A top-150 recruit out of high school, Novosad struggled for playing time behind Oregon’s stacked quarterback depth chart and has drawn interest from programs like Syracuse, with other schools such as Kentucky also reportedly in the mix, according to On3's Pete Nakos.
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Novosad’s departure marks a notable exit for a player who was once considered a future prospect at the position, especially given Oregon’s recent track record of retaining talent, a streak Lanning had previously highlighted.
Big Picture of Oregon’s Transfer Portal Activity
Oregon has been active both on the outgoing and incoming sides of the portal this offseason. In addition to Novosad’s exit, the Ducks have seen a significant number of rotation players enter the portal across multiple position groups.
To counterbalance departures, Lanning’s staff has also secured several portal additions, including impact players like tight end Andrew Olesh from Penn State, as they look to replenish experience and talent around the roster.
Quarterback Room Evolves with High-Profile Additions
Despite Novosad’s portal exit, Oregon’s quarterback outlook remains strong. Former Nebraska QB Dylan Raiola, a highly ranked recruit and transfer target, has committed to Oregon, bolstering the Ducks’ depth chart and giving Lanning flexibility in planning for the future. Raiola’s move to Eugene adds another talented passer to the mix as the program continues to build long-term stability at the position.
Meanwhile, Ducks starting quarterback Dante Moore, a five-star transfer who threw for 3,565 yards and 30 touchdowns this past season, officially announced his return to Oregon for the 2026 season Wednesday, rejecting early entry into the NFL draft. Moore’s decision anchors Oregon’s offense heading into the new campaign and reshapes the team’s transfer portal strategy.
Dan Lanning’s Offseason Challenges and Vision
As Oregon transitions from a successful season capped by a College Football Playoff semifinal appearance, Lanning must balance retaining key contributors with integrating new talent. The Ducks’ heavy transfer portal workload, marked by both departures and arrivals, reflects the modern college football landscape where roster turnover is widespread.
Lanning, now in his fourth year as Oregon’s head coach, remains focused on building a program capable of competing for championships. Managing the quarterback room and ensuring depth across the roster will be pivotal elements of that mission as the Ducks enter offseason practice and spring ball.
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