Dan Lanning’s impressive recruitment efforts faced a setback this spring. In addition to losing five-star quarterback Jared Curtis to Georgia, the Ducks have also lost several other top-tier targets in recent weeks. Curtis, the most sought-after recruit in Lanning’s latest recruiting cycle, presented quite a dramatic story. Over a few months, he committed to, decommitted from, and then recommitted to the Bulldogs, leaving Lanning with a heavy heart.

Unfortunately, he isn’t the only one; several other players are following a similar path. Among them are wide receiver Kayden Dixton, offensive tackle Kodi Greene, Tomuhini Topui, Bott Mulitalo II, and quarterback Jonas Williams. It’s disheartening, isn’t it? However, Lanning has always been prepared to adapt to challenging situations.

In the hour after Curtis offered a blow, the Ducks have made waves to land fellow 5-star quarterback Ryder Lyons in the class of 2026. The search prevails like always, but it’s not just Lyons they are setting their caps at.

On Wednesday, Oregon extended an offer to 4-star quarterback Matt Ponatoski, the No. 291 overall player and No. 21 quarterback in the class. “After a great workout and conversation with Coach Will Stein, I am blessed to have received an offer from the University of Oregon!!” Ponatoski tweeted following the big push from the Ducks.

The 6 ft 2 QB from Cincinnati, Ohio, bagged several offers from schools like Kentucky, Texas A&M, and Michigan. The La Salle High School product led the team to an unprecedented 14-1 record and a berth in the Division I state championship game last year. The 4,085 yards, 56 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions speak well enough of the rare athletic prowess he possesses.

“Matt is a great player and drives their offense. He can make all the throws and is the difference-maker for their team. They are not the same team without him.” Coach Pat McLaughlin briefed the command the player holds over his alma mater. Ponatoski has also been a nationally ranked shortstop on the Moeller baseball team. A good enough academic record with a weighted 4.21 GPA, a vibrant personality that stands out, and dual-sport excellence—what more could you ask for in an elite target?

No wonder Lanning chose to pursue Ponatoski right away. But they have widened their options to several other QBs as well. The Ducks sent out invites to Tennessee 5-star Faizon Brandon and Houston 5-star Keisean Henderson. While both stuck to their respective verbal commitments, Lanning and his staff know how to flip the page in a jiffy.

But what about the gem they already have in the QB room, the projected crown jewel of 2025, the largely accepted Dilon Gabriel’s replacement under the center, Dante Moore?

Dante Moore doesn’t seem to be a breakout star early in the spring 

Dante Moore not only stepped in, but he also slid into the expectation bombshell. Lanning won’t wait forever for him to develop and earn his QB1 job. Given the rising competition in the room, it is essential for the UCLA transfer to showcase the flashes of brilliance in the immediate effect. But Spring has gone into despair.

Spring wasn’t any head-turner for Moore. Austin Novosad, at times, outshone Smart’s smartest choice. Luke Moga emerged as the unforeseen wildcard showstopper of the games. The message for Moore is clearer than ever. Go and show your worth; earn the prize. Otherwise, Lanning has options worth exploring. But entrusting your newbies with lesser experiences to defeat the Nittany Lions in the season opener with Drew Allar, their veteran QB1, under the center might be a bad speculation for the Ducks. The solution? Moore looked like a better gamble with 2,392 yards and 32 touchdowns with a three-interception mark in his senior year.

So, if Moore fails to reach the benchmark, it seems the other options on the board can only make their impact on the pen and paper. Also, with another peril of House settlement looming larger, Oregon, overall, has very little room for error. Lanning, however, knows he needs to be flexible in any situation to fight off. “Adapt,” Dan Lanning said. “You’ve got to be ready to adapt.” He certainly will, scanning through all the wins and losses beyond the field.