The Oregon Ducks' annual Spring Game is on the horizon, and head coach Dan Lanning recently offered a progress report from Eugene. With the first major scrimmage of the spring approaching, Lanning's comments provide a crucial glimpse into a team blending veteran talent with new faces, all preparing for the high-stakes move to the Big Ten.
Lanning expressed overall satisfaction with the team's trajectory, noting the competitive back-and-forth between units. "We go back and forth this spring," Lanning said. "Overall, as far as offense wins one day, the defense wins the next. It's probably a defensive day-to-day. We have to clean up some of our execution and focus, but overall, good work from these guys." This internal competition is exactly what builds a resilient squad capable of handling a grueling conference schedule.
A significant reason for optimism is the presence of quarterback Dante Moore. His experience is a stabilizing force for the offense as the Ducks build toward the 2025 season. However, Lanning acknowledged a key area of development: the offensive line. Going up against one of the nation's top defensive lines in practice daily is a trial by fire, and the coach admitted that unit is "still a work in progress." Their growth will be paramount in protecting Moore and establishing the run game.
On the injury front, the news is positive. Star wide receiver Evan Stewart is reportedly at 100 percent, a welcome development after the Ducks missed his playmaking ability last season. Lanning highlighted not just Stewart's physical return but his evolving role. "Spring has been really good... I think even more than his play-making abilities, leadership is starting to show up," Lanning noted, challenging Stewart to bring the same focus to his blocking as he does to his route-running. A healthy and engaged Stewart is a game-changer for the passing attack.
Another player stepping into a larger role is Koa Ka'ai, who has big shoes to fill on the defensive front. Lanning praised his development, stating, "He's grown a ton in my time here. He's always been an extremely intelligent player." How players like Ka'ai embrace these expanded responsibilities will define the Ducks' defensive identity this fall. As the spring scrimmage nears, every rep and every quote from Lanning builds the foundation for Oregon's next chapter.