Overview
- Lanning is expected to name Oregon's starting quarterback next week ahead of the opener against Montana State, with Dante Moore the presumed choice and Austin Novosad still in contention.
- Evan Stewart is recovering from surgery to repair a torn right patellar tendon and will be out for a while with no set return date.
- With Stewart unavailable, coaches have elevated roles for veterans Gary Bryant Jr. and Justius Lowe and are eyeing immediate contributions from five-star freshman Dakorien Moore.
- Lanning praised Bryant for professionalism, reliability on returns, and leadership in the receiver room, signaling expanded responsibility this season.
- Coaches describe the running back group as deep, citing Noah Whittington, Tulane transfer Makhi Hughes, and Jayden Limar as key options in a rotation managed by position coach Ra'Shaad Samples.