Oregon FootballSpring Game report card: Things get defensive at Autzen

USA Today

27-04-2025

Oregon FootballSpring Game report card: Things get defensive at Autzen
The annual Oregon Ducks spring football game has come and gone, and we saw a mixed bag of everything between some great play and some not-so-great play. But it was a scrimmage, so when the offense did well, the defense didn't, and vice versa. It was difficult to gauge the realistic value of the gameplay.
What we did see was some great individual talent on both sides of the ball. This may be one of the fastest and most physical defenses we have ever seen from the Ducks. It's no wonder the offense struggled at times. But when the quarterbacks did have time to throw, they showed the ability to make some great throws in tight windows.
As we go through the report card, keep in mind it was just a scrimmage and nothing too big should be taken out of it. But it was fun to see the Ducks, with a lot of new names, out on the field doing their thing. Here's how we grade each position group after the action.
Quarterbacks
Grade: B
A total of six quarterbacks saw action on Saturday, and the one guy who distinguished himself was redshirt freshman Luke Moga. He's more of an athletic quarterback, the type Oregon fans are used to. Dante Moore showed the most grasp of the offense, and Austin Novosad has a gun for an arm. But it was tough to get an accurate reading with the "one touch of the QB, and it's a sack" rule. In general, it was easy to see the Ducks' offense operating well with any QB at the helm this fall.
Running Backs
Grade: B-
The running backs didn't have much action, but when they did, they had some nice runs. Jayden Limar had an explosive 31-yard touchdown, and Jay Harris scored twice but also fumbled. Noah Whittington looks as if he's going to push to be RB1 against Makhi Hughes. That's a competition to look for in the fall.
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
Grade: A+
The receivers stood out on Saturday, and Evan Stewart didn't even play. Oregon is going to have a tough time deciding who to target the most when it comes down to it. The talent is that deep. Dillon Gresham had a big game, as did tight end Kenyon Sadiq. Gresham's late touchdown catch-and-run was the highlight. Fans got a taste of what true freshman Dakorien Moore can do with his impressive reception down the sideline.
In a year where Oregon lost both Tez Johnson and Traeshon Holden to the NFL, there were some questions about how the Ducks would replace the WR talent. On Saturday, I think we saw that this should not be an issue.
Offensive Line
Grade: D
Yeah, this group struggled a bit, but it shouldn't be much of a surprise this early. There are a lot of new guys along that line, and the Ducks are going to have to see which group plays the best with each other. Among both teams, the offensive line allowed 11 "sacks."
Defensive Line
Grade: A
The defensive linemen took advantage of an under-experienced offensive line, but that doesn't take away from the talent that is among that group. Matayo Uiagalelei has taken the next step in his development and will be an unstoppable beast in 2025. The Big Ten better be prepared.
Linebackers
Grade: A
Even with Bryce Boettcher playing just a few plays, the linebackers are young, physical, and fast. The highlight was Blake Purchase's scoop-and-score off of a fumble. Guys like Jerry Mixon and Brayden Platt also looked great throughout the day, and Lanning went as far as to say after the game that they will not be adding an LB in the portal, giving a massive vote of confidence to this group.
Secondary
Grade: B
Defending all those receivers is a tough ask and the secondary held their own for the most part. It was good to see Jahlil Florence back on the field after an injury-riddled 2024. This group will get better and better as the season goes on.
Special Teams
Grade: A-
Atticus Sappington and Gage Hurych hit three of their four field goal attempts, but it was Hurych's 54-yard boot that was the highlight. Oregon might have not one but two reliable kickers on its hands. However, the Duck's punting game was a rough scene, with starting punter Ross James having a bad day, shanking one of his kicks for just 12 yards.
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