David Pollack questions if Oregon will be ready to replace production at quarterback in 2025

Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel excelled in his final season of college football last season, throwing for 3,857 yards, 30 touchdowns and six interceptions. Along with being a finalist for the Heisman Trophy, Gabriel led the Ducks to the College Football Playoff for the first time since 2014.

Gabriel however ran out of eligibility and was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the 2025 NFL Draft, handing the keys at the position over to third-year arm Dante Moore.

Due to the uncertainty at the position, college football analyst David Pollack picked the Oregon quarterback position as his concern for the Ducks heading into the 2025 season on his “See Ball Get Ball with David Pollack” podcast.

“I feel like Oregon is gonna have dudes regardless,” Pollack said. “They’ve been recruiting dudes at a high level. What I think we’ll find out at the quarterback spot is ‘how ready are you for the moment?’ Obviously having a guy with experience is good because you’re not starting over. He’s played some football. I just think it’s the quarterback spot. Bo Nix and Dillon Gabriel obviously were dudes but it’s more now. How ready are you for this moment and how prepared are you for the big games?”

Pollack says Moore has a ‘standard to live up to’

“I think to me Oregon is gonna go if their quarterback is elite and be really, really good. I also think the quarterback position has been so good that there’s a standard to live up to. But, we’ll see how he does. I do think it’s gonna be tough though.”

In Moore’s one season as a starter at UCLA (2023), he passed for 1,610 yards, 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He transferred to Oregon last season, but sat behind Gabriel. He was set to have a big time pass catcher in Evan Stewart as his lead receiver, but he suffered a torn patellar tendon that will sideline him for the 2025 season.

The Detroit, MI native has big shoes to fill, as Oregon quarterbacks have excelled in every single season since 2007. The last one to throw double-digit interceptions was Dennis Dixon (14) back in 2006. Since then, big time names such as Gabriel, Nix, Justin Herbert, Darron Thomas and Marcus Mariota have shined in Eugene.

Moore will be flanked by Tulane star transfer running back Makhi Hughes and five-star freshman wide receiver Dakorien Moore, making up what should be yet another exciting offense if things go to plan.

The new-look Ducks open their 2025 season at home against Montana State on August 30.