Interesting: Oregon set to sign another QB with $230 million

Oregon has become a top destination for elite quarterbacks across the country. Names like Bo Nix, Dillon Gabriel, Austin Novosad, Dante Moore and Luke Moga all come to mind when thinking about some of the top players at the position that have either played for the Ducks or are in line to suit up in the green and yellow in the future. While all of the aforementioned players are already in Eugene, it’s crucial for a coaching staff to keep the big picture in mind.

That’s exactly why Offensive Coordinator Will Stein and the Ducks recruited and landed a verbal commitment from San Diego (Calif.) Lincoln quarterback Akili Smith Jr. in the 2025 class. But it’s possible that the Ducks want to sign another quarterback this cycle, as a recent report from Greg Biggins of 247Sports suggests Oregon is staying involved with another top pass out West.

Biggins also reported that the 6-foot, 190-pound QB has scheduled trips to Auburn and Texas A&M for next month. This report on Tuesday prompted an interesting question. Does Oregon want to sign two quarterbacks in the 2025 class? Or perhaps, do they need two quarterbacks in the 2025 class?

As it stands, most would think the plan is for Gabriel to be the team’s starter in 2024 and then the Ducks will have a competition in 2025 that will feature Moore, perhaps the early favorite, as well as Novosad, Moga, and Smith. We know the approach at quarterback typically consists of four scholarship passers, so the prospect of adding someone like Longstreet is certainly interesting.

I haven’t been of the mindset that Oregon needs another quarterback this cycle, but it it also wouldn’t be the biggest shocker if they added another. It’s obvious that quarterback is the most important position on the field and your team is going nowhere fast if you don’t have a top quarterback in today’s era of college football. Quarterback is arguably the most fluid position in the sport as well, with quarterbacks hitting the transfer portal at a higher rate than other positions if they don’t see the field. Patience is hard to come by.

That makes it hard to have a long-term starter leading your offense, but the Ducks are somewhat uniquely positioned to have that in 2025 and beyond if Moore or any other quarterback on the roster or currently committed takes over. Longstreet has been linked to Texas A&M of late, but I think it’s a good thing that Oregon is staying involved here, as recruiting can be unpredictable and things can change at the drop of a hat. As for other players to watch at the position in 2025, there don’t appear to be many. The main name is probably Severn (Md.) Archbishop Spalding quarterback Malik Washington, who’s one of a small number of passers the Ducks have offered at the position that is currently uncommitted.