The Oregon Ducks football program, under the leadership of head coach Dan Lanning, is navigating the crucial task of finding its next star quarterback following a successful 2024 season that culminated in a Rose Bowl appearance. With Dillon Gabriel now in the NFL, the Ducks initially had their sights set on Jared Curtis.
However, Curtis’ commitment to the Georgia Bulldogs has prompted a strategic pivot in Oregon’s recruiting efforts, leading them to focus on another highly touted prospect.
Steve Wiltfong Reveals Oregon’s Refocus After Missing on Jared Curtis
It was another successful season for the Ducks and Lanning, finishing the regular season 13-0 and top of the Big Ten before falling to the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Rose Bowl.
Gabriel was one of 10 Ducks selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, with him going to the Cleveland Browns in the third round. Lanning is now looking for his next star under center. Curtis was someone Oregon was looking at, but his commitment to Georgia now has the team looking in a different direction.
On3 insider Steve Wiltfong said that “Georgia were recruiting Curtis as a freshman, that is what allowed them to win the recruitment. Oregon have been on Ryder Lyons since he was a freshman at Folsom High; he is one of the top dual-threat QBs in the country. That relationship and the way Oregon play offensively, proximity to home, and excitement around the Ducks program.”
As it stands, Oregon and BYU are in the running for the five-star QB. Lyons threw for 3,011 yards and 46 touchdowns with just six interceptions in 2024, playing for Folsom High School in Folsom, Calif. His mobility also stands out as he rushed 118 times for 585 yards and 14 touchdowns.
USC is a team that could come back into the mix, but Wiltfong said he “moved [his] On3 RPM from USC to Oregon.
“[Lyons] is still going through his processes, and that doesn’t mean USC can’t slingshot back around or other programs can become more relevant. But I like where Oregon and BYU stand. I’m riding with Dan Lanning, Will Stein, and the Ducks for Ryder Lyons.”
Lyons has an official visit set for June 13 in Oregon, however, will be visiting USC a week before heading to Eugene. Another factor is that his older brother Walker is a tight end for the Trojans.
The Ducks will be hoping that Dante Moore can step into Gabriel’s shoes at QB in the 2025 season. He has been able to sit behind Bo Nix and Gabriel, both now NFL players, and get to grips with the scheme. The 2025 season will be his chance to show what he can do, but there will likely be some growing pains with the Ducks’ less-proven QBs.
Wiltfong believes Lyons can be “competing for championships, competing in the Big Ten. Oregon won the regular-season title. The efficiency of the offense over the last couple QBs has been great. Back-to-back Heisman finalists, elite offense, recruit great players, resources, I like where they’re at.”
“If Oregon lands Ryder Lyons, I’m not sure they take another QB in 2026.” Oregon’s QB room is unproven, but the potential is strong. Moore can play two more years, potentially after the 2025 season. Austin Novosad is a Class of 2023 prospect from Texas who will be a redshirt sophomore this year, and they added Luke Moga in the 2024 class, who is an athlete who has developed as a dual-threat QB.
The 2025 season sees Oregon have another tough schedule, but nothing they can’t overcome. Home games against Indiana and USC stand out, while road trips to Penn State and Iowa will provide real tests.
Lanning and the Ducks are in a prime position to land Lyons. The official visits in June will be key, with Oregon hoping they make a big enough impression to turn him away from USC.
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