Bo Nix announces he will return to Oregon for 2023 season
Bo Nix is back — officially.
On Sunday, Nix, the Ducks’ star quarterback announced via a Twitter post that he will return to Oregon for the 2023 college season instead of entering the 2023 NFL Draft.
“There is nothing like a Saturday in Autzen Stadium in front of the best fans in college football,” Nix said in the post. “there is nothing like playing for my coaches and going to battle with my teammate.s There is nothing like being an Oregon Duck.
“For 2023, I’m back.”
Nix’s announcement comes at a pivotal time for the program, and will undoubtedly put the minds of Oregon’s fanbase at ease.
Dante Moore, a 5-star quarterback and the Ducks’ top commit in the ’23 signing class, appears set to flip to UCLA.
Nix’s return provides a massive boost for Dan Lanning and newly-hired offensive coordinator Will Stein.
When asked on Friday if he planned to return to Oregon for the 2023 season, Nix remained tight-lipped and said he had not made a decision at that point.
“I hope it’s as soon as possible,” Nix said. “I’m like you guys. I’m ready to know my decision. It’s not an easy process; it’s one of the toughest things I’ve had to do. But it’s rewarding, regardless of what happens.”
In 12 games this season, Nix has thrown for 3,388 yards while passing at a 71.5% clip and 27 touchdowns, and six interceptions. He leads in rushing touchdowns among quarterbacks with 14.
At the moment, Nix and Ty Thompson are Oregon’s lone quarterbacks after Jay Butterfield entered the transfer portal earlier this month. There has been speculation that Thompson could also enter the portal.
If Nix had departed for the NFL, and Moore ultimately flips to UCLA, there is a very real possibility that the Ducks could have been left without a single quarterback on their roster after the Dec. 28 Holiday Bowl.
Instead, they are set to return one of the top players in the country for one last ride in Eugene.
Nix’s return not only solidifies Oregon’s quarterback room. It could also help attract talent at key positions via the portal.
During his Friday media availability, Nix was asked about his efforts to recruit other players to Oregon.
“You always want to leave somewhere better than you found it,” Nix said. “So, if I can help Oregon, where I’m at right this second, help them sign a guy for next year regardless of whether I’m here or not, that’s a really important thing.
“If that kid’s coming because I’m gonna be here then they’re still going to be here if I leave, regardless, next year. So they can’t just come because I’m gonna be here. There are a lot of other things that are part of the decision; they’ve got to come because they feel like they’re a fit for Oregon.
“But at the same time, if I’m here going through bowl prep, and I’m still a part of this team, I’m gonna help the team as best I can.”
