The Oregon Ducks are star-studded with offensive firepower in every department, but during their 2025 Spring Game, the Ducks’ offensive talent was stifled by strong defensive performances.
Through the first three quarters, there were few explosive plays for both the Fighting Ducks and the Combat Ducks. Quarterbacks on either side were struggling to find room to stretch the field.
“Some good, some bad,” head coach Dan Lanning said regarding the quarterback play. “Thought we hit a funk a little bit in the middle, started off a little bit hot. Operated well in some situations and then in some we certainly could have been better in.”
Projected starting quarterback Dante Moore struggled to find plays downfield until the fourth quarter, when he connected with Jurrion Dickey on the sideline for 35 yards. Additionally, quarterbacks like Luke Moga, Akili Smith Jr., and Austin Novosad showcased unique capabilities that make them stand out from one another. Smith displayed his athleticism and escapist tendencies. Novosad showcased his commanding presence on the first drive of the game, which led to a Fighting Ducks touchdown run from Jayden Limar. Finally, Moga received high praise from the press and Lanning himself.
“I think where he has really come along this year is throwing on time, taking what’s there, and becoming a complete quarterback from that standpoint. He had some really good moments this spring and certainly some really good moments today.”
Although the quarterback play left some to be desired, the defenses deserve their flowers in all aspects. The Ducks were hit hard this offseason, with senior exits on all parts of their defense, including standouts like Jeffrey Bassa, Jordan Burch, Derrick Harmon, and Jabbar Muhammad. But somehow, Lanning managed to bring in new, young, and hungry players who look to live up to the elite 2024 defense, specifically within the secondary, which was the most impressive position group of the day.
“For them to get some opportunities, there’s going to be some stuff that we can learn from, to go against really good wideouts each day,” Lanning said. “We talk about iron sharpens iron, and I think we got to see some of that.”
The Ducks lost 12 defensive backs this offseason, including seven seniors, like Muhammad and Kobe Savage. This offseason, Lanning brought in new defensive backs who could eclipse the talented 2024 Duck secondary. In this secondary are young standouts like Trey McNutt and Na’eem Offord, four and five-star recruits, respectively.
Offord, the 17th-best player in the 2025 class according to 247Sports, showed out during the spring game. He showed his athleticism and physical nature, especially when matching up against Oregon’s deep threat receivers. His ability to change speed and directions makes him dangerous versus any outside receiver in the nation. Even when he’s beat off the line, he makes up the space with ease, and he’s able to make a physical and meaningful play on the ball. He looks like the real deal.
Meanwhile, McNutt showed his versatility and speed. The Cleveland native was one of the best safeties in this 2025 class. He flew across the field on Saturday and made himself indispensable. The run defense in the trenches left some question marks, but McNutt's killer instincts had their backs. Against the pass, he defended inside and out, being able to guard any receiver in any situation. Early in the second quarter, he broke up a touchdown pass intended for tight end Jamari Johnson, a player nearly five inches taller than him. His ability to be a threat on every snap could make him one of the best safeties in the country this fall.
From what the Spring Game showed us, this Duck secondary can be one of, if not the best, in the nation. Additionally, if this year doesn’t go as planned for this group, the youth they possess is a promising thing for the future.
Oregon starts its season on Aug. 30 at home versus Montana State.