Oregon Ducks Spring Game: Dakorien Moore, Kenyon Sadiq Stand Out

In a college football landscape where teams across the nation are cancelling spring games to avoid NIL-based poaching from other programs, the Oregon Ducks are holding strong with their springtime tradition at Autzen Stadium. The Duck scrimmage was a back-and-forth affair as Ducks coach Dan Lanning split up some of the leaders on the roster.

The Fighting Ducks, led by quarterbacks Austin Novosad and Luke Moga, defeated the Combat Ducks, highlighted by quarterback Dante Moore. Oregon's star receiver Evan Stewart did not play, but a number of young Ducks made exciting plays.

Receiver Dakorien Moore, defensive back Trey McNutt, and Moga all made plays.

Oregon Spring Game at Autzen Stadium Saturday, April 27, 2024. | Chris Pietsch / USA TODAY NETWORK

💨💨 @dillon_gresham

The Fighting Ducks answer right back with a Dillon Gresham TD from @LukeMogaQB! #GoDucks

📺@BigTenNetwork pic.twitter.com/BCWK2QrBxd
— Oregon Football (@oregonfootball) April 26, 2025

The scrimmage ends with an interception from quarterback Dante Moore.

Q4 01:20: Fighting Ducks wide receiver Dillon Gresham drew a pass interference penalty, and then he caught a slant from quarterback Luke Moga and ran over 60 yards for the score. The Fighting ducks take the late lead, 24-20.

Q4 02:11: On first down and goal, the Combat Ducks took a 20-17 lead on a short touchdown rush from running back Jay Harris.

.@_JayGoHard_ adds 6 for the Combat Ducks! #GoDucks
📺 @BigTenNetwork pic.twitter.com/ZojkXWQZGj
— Oregon Football (@oregonfootball) April 26, 2025

Q4 04:09: Sadiq trucks safety Aaron Flowers down inside the 10-yard line.

Q4 05:10: Brock Thomas throws a deep ball caught at the 18-yard line by Kenyon Sadiq.

Q4 05:33: Brock Thomas in at quarterback.

Q4 08:04: Ryder Hayes in for Fighting. Sacked during a play. All Duck QB's playing today have been sacked during this game.

FIGHTING 17, COMBAT 13

Q4 08:17 COMBAT SCORES: Field goal attempt is shaky, but good.

Q4 10:45: Akili Smith Jr. threads the needle for a pass to Jeremiah McClellan. First down.

Q4 11:45: Akili Smith Jr. makes a +20yd pass to midfield caught by Vander Ploog for a first down.

Q4 13:45: Akili Smith Jr. in for Combat, shows some speed with a quarterback keeper for a first down.

FOURTH QUARTER

FIGHTING 17, COMBAT 10

Q3 01:33 COMBAT SCORES: Jay Harris rushes for a 6-yard touchdown through heavy coverage. Kick is good.

Q3 01:51: Jurrion Dickey catches a deep pass to put Combat on the 6 yard line.

Q3 02:44: Dante Moore sails a pass to the endzone for Kyler Kasper is dropped with coverage from Jahlil Florence.

Q3 03:17: Combat's Dante Moore pass broken up by Dillon Williams.

Q3 4:21: Fighting takes a long drive and gets to the 11 yard line but can't finish the drive, so the ball is punted to Combat and Gary Bryant Jr.

Luke Moga showing his rushing ability compared to Oregon's other quarterbacks playing today.

FIGHTING 17, COMBAT 3

Q3 11:08 FIGHTING SCORES: Blake Purchase for Fighting recovers a fumble and runs it to the house for a touchdown! Kick is good.

END OF THE HALF - FIGHTING 10, COMBAT 3

Q2 00:10: Fighting attempts a kick, kick is no good.

Q2 00:36: Novosad in for Fighting, Gavin Nix tackles for a sack.

Q2 00:45: Matthew Johnson quarterback sacks Akili Smith Jr.

Q2 02:09: Akili Smith Jr., son of Oregon quarterback legend Akili Smith, is in for the Combat team. Vander Ploog makes a first down catch on the first play with Akili Smith Jr. in.

Q2 04:22: Moga is sweet on Malik Benson, as Moga has targeted him twice this drive. First deep ball was a drop, but the second resulted in a first down catch on the far right side of the field (about 35 yard line).

Q2 06:03: Luke Moga's deep pass caught by Dillon Gresham for a first down.

Q2 11:39: Brock Thomas in at quarterback for Combat. 2nd down ball tipped but Kenjon Sadiq catches to add yards with 2 to go for a first down.

FIGHTING 10, COMBAT 3

Q2 11:45 FIGHTING SCORES: Cameron Doyle kicks the field goal for Fighting.

Q2 13:03: Tre McNutt for Combat breaks up a Fighting pass in the endzone.

Q2 14:27: Luke Moga takes a quarterback keeper to the 13-yard line for a first down for Fighting.

SECOND QUARTER

Q1 00:42: Luke Moga at quarterback for Fighting. First throw to Cooper Perry incomplete.

Q1 03:26: Austin Novosad for Fighting throws a big pass to freshman Dillon Gresham, which is not caught. Fighting kick returns the ball back to Combat.

FIGHTING 7, COMBAT 3

Q1 8:16 COMBAT SCORES: Dante Moore is in at quarterback for the Combat. After showing some leg work and a catch from Kenjon Sadiq, the drive resulted in a field goal for Combat.

FIGHTING 7, COMBAT 0

Q1 12:19 FIGHTING SCORES: After an impressive catch from Dakorien Moore, Jayden Limar runs in the ball for a touchdown.

Q1 14:14: Fighting Ducks start the contest. Dakorien Moore receives second target of the game.

PREGAME NOTES

Oregon Football released their two honorary team names: the Fighting Ducks and the Combat Ducks. The Combat Ducks are led by Brooks and Irving and the Fighting Ducks are led by Bellotti and Gonzalez. Unfortunately, Bellotti had to bow out due to a medical emergency, and former Oregon defensive coordinator Nick Aliotti is taking his place for coaching duties.

Dante Moore, Brock Thomas, and Akili Smith Jr. are listed as quarterbacks for the Combat team, with Luke Moga, Austin Novosad, and Ryder Hayes making up the quarterback corps for the Fighting team.

Notably, Moore will have receivers Gary Bryant Jr., Kyler Kasper, Jeremiah McClellan, Jurrion Dickey, and Justius Lowe. On the other side, Novosad will be throwing to receivers like Evan Stewart, Dakorien Moore, and Malik Benson.

Combat Ducks vs. Fighting Ducks

Who are you riding with for today’s Spring Game? ⚫️⚪️#GoDucks pic.twitter.com/vlBP5njv8u
— Oregon Football (@oregonfootball) April 26, 2025

Guest coaches for the spring game include former Oregon coaches Mike Bellotti (coached 1995 - 2008) and Rich Brooks (coached 1977 - 1994). Bellotti will be paired with former Duck and current New England Patriot cornerback Christian Gonzalez. Brooks will co-coach with former Duck and current Tampa Bay Buccaneers' running back Bucky Irving.

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Of course, with every spring game, fans will not get the full taste of what the Ducks have to offer in 2025, but be on the look-out for the quarterback battle between sophomore Dante Moore and freshman Austin Novosad. Will Stein, Oregon offensive coordinator, also teased a run-heavy offense with a revamped offense line centering only returning trench starter Iapani "Poncho" Laloulu.

The highest high school recruit pulled by Oregon, wide receiver Dakorien Moore, will likely make a debut on field this spring game as the freshman has been highly praised during spring practice media availabilities.

Defensively, Oregon's trenches are changing as well, with the addition of USC defensive lineman Bear Alexander being an interesting storyline to watch. Furthermore, Oregon sees a few play-making returners in junior defensive back Matayo Uiagalelei and senior linebacker Bryce Boettcher who are sure to be fan favorites that excite.

Oregon inside linebacker Bryce Boettcher dances around the field to “Shout” as the No. 1 Oregon Ducks host the rival Washington Huskies Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. | Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

“It’s different when there are fans in the stands. Just play within themselves. Take the easy money throws. It’s going to be pretty simple, pretty vanilla. Nothing that we’re doing that’s new or tweaks will be shown. But we want to make sure our fans are enjoying it and it’s fun," Stein said.