Will Stein Seeing Improvement in Both of Oregon's Backup Quarterbacks in Fall Camp

Stein says Ty Thompson has "taken major strides" with the Ducks this fall.

Oregon returns its starting quarterback for the first time since 2019 this year, as senior Bo Nix hopes to build off a stellar season in 2022. He's on billboards going up across the country, but he's not the only quarterback the Ducks are focused on developing.

Offensive coordinator Will Stein likes what he's seen from the competition behind Nix and says redshirt sophomore Ty Thompson is positioned well to be the next man up, should Nix miss any time.

"He's seen a lot of ball, he's extremely intelligent," Stein said of Thompson. "He's taken major strides this fall to put himself in a good position to be the next man up, but Austin Novosad has definitely pushed him."

Oregon Ducks quarterback Ty Thompson throws a pass in the 2023 spring game :: Bennett Metcalf/Ducks Digest

Thompson arrived in Eugene in 2021 as the highest-rated quarterback the Ducks have ever signed. However, that title didn't translate to the field right away, and he's since waited in the wings in each of his first first two seasons. 

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In his two years serving as the primary backup, the Gilbert, Arizona native has completed 18 of 35 passes for 159 yards and two touchdowns against three interceptions. 

Now, after flipping his commitment from Baylor to Oregon during the early national signing period, Novosad has poured his all into learning the offense and adjusting to the college level.

"From where Austin got here in the spring: newcomer to college football, speed of the game is different, the verbiage is different--to where he is now, he's leaps and bounds improved from day one of spring ball," Oregon's offensive coordinator said. "I'm really happy about his progress. Can't wait to see what happens."

Oregon Ducks true freshman quarterback Austin Novosad throws a pass in fall camp :: © Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK

Novosad inked with the Ducks as a consensus four-star recruit from Dripping Springs, Texas--where he faced some of the best high school football talent in the country and led his school to three consecutive appearances in the Texas state playoffs. He threw for nearly 9,000 yards and tossed 114 touchdowns against just 18 interceptions during his three years as a starter. 

The Ducks also have a pair of quarterbacks committed in the 2024 class in Michael Van Buren and Luke Moga, who will enter the race to succeed Nix upon their arrival.

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