Oregon backup quarterback Austin Novosad is officially heading to the transfer portal, becoming the eighth Duck to announce his departure this cycle. It’s part of a growing trend across college football: quality depth players looking for a bigger opportunity elsewhere. For Oregon, it’s more of a reshuffling than a setback - especially with several key veterans returning - but the movement still speaks volumes about where the program stands heading into 2026.
Let’s break it down.
Novosad’s Exit: A Calculated Move
Novosad’s decision to transfer isn’t shocking, but it is notable. The former four-star quarterback from Dripping Springs, Texas, flipped from Baylor to Oregon in 2023 thanks to then-new offensive coordinator Will Stein.
Now, with Stein off to Kentucky, there’s speculation Novosad could follow him east. That’s not confirmed, but the dots are easy to connect.
In his three seasons at Oregon, Novosad saw limited action - completing 12 of 15 passes for 99 yards - but he was a steady presence in the quarterback room. He competed, stayed ready, and never rocked the boat.
Now, he’s looking for a shot to start and potentially cash in on a solid NIL deal. And honestly, who can blame him?
With Oregon’s quarterback room in flux and Dante Moore still weighing his NFL decision, some might wonder if Novosad saw an opening to compete for the starting job. But sources indicate his transfer isn’t tied to Moore’s plans. These are two separate decisions, even if the timing invites speculation.
Transfer Grades: Depth Takes a Hit, Not the Core
Novosad’s departure, along with seven others, represents a shift in Oregon’s two-deep, but not a gut punch to the starting lineup. The impact grades - not for the players’ talent, but for their role on the depth chart - tell the story.
Here’s a look at who’s leaving:
- WR Justius Lowe (C)
- DB Sione Laulea (B)
- DB Solomon Davis (D)
- DB Dakoda Fields (C)
- DB Jahlil Florence (B)
- DB Kingston Lopa (B)
- OL Lipe Moala (C)
- QB Austin Novosad (B)
Players like Lopa and Novosad earned "B" grades because they’ve been primary backups or rotational players. Laulea and Florence are also graded as "B" transfers - both are expected to start elsewhere.
Florence, in particular, started nine games in 2023 before a knee injury against Washington ended his season and sidelined him through 2024. All four of those defensive backs were four-star recruits, making their exits more about opportunity than ability.
Lopa and Laulea are especially intriguing losses for new defensive coordinator Chris Hampton. Both are tall, rangy defenders - Lopa at 6-foot-5, Laulea at 6-foot-4 - who could have been key pieces in Oregon’s evolving secondary. But with a deep defensive backfield and a wave of young talent coming in, the Ducks have the depth to absorb those hits.
Veterans Returning: A Big Win for 2026
While the portal taketh, it also leaveth some key pieces intact. Oregon got massive news earlier this month when two NFL-caliber starters - defensive tackle Bear Alexander and center Iapani “Poncho” Laloulu - announced they’re coming back for their senior seasons.
That’s a huge boost for both sides of the ball. Alexander anchors the defensive front with power and athleticism, while Laloulu is the glue of an offensive line that’s been one of the most consistent units in the country. Their return gives Oregon a strong veteran core heading into the 2026 season.
And here’s something else worth noting: Dan Lanning still hasn’t lost a starter to the portal. That’s no small feat in today’s college football climate, where even elite programs are seeing front-line players jump ship. Oregon’s attrition has come mostly from backups and rotational players seeking more snaps - a natural byproduct of a deep, competitive roster.
The Bigger Picture: Portal Timing Still a Problem
As Oregon gears up for a potential national championship run, the timing of these departures once again highlights a major flaw in the college football calendar. The playoff is in full swing, and yet key depth pieces are leaving to enroll at their next stop for winter classes. That’s not a knock on the players - they’re doing what they need to do - but it’s a reminder that the system needs fixing.
Ideally, the transfer portal would open after the postseason, not during it. Imagine going into the final stretch of a championship run without your backup QB or several key defensive backs. It’s not ideal, and it’s something the sport will have to address if it wants to keep its postseason product at full strength.
What’s Next for Oregon?
The Ducks are still in great shape. Lanning and chief of operations Marshall Malchow have built a roster that can withstand this kind of attrition. With more portal additions likely on the way and a strong recruiting class incoming, Oregon is positioned to reload rather than rebuild.
And if they do make it to the national championship game, players like Dante Moore, tight end Kenyon Sadiq, and edge rusher Matayo Uiagalelei will have until January 23 or 24 to make their NFL decisions - a little extra time that could prove valuable.
So yes, players are leaving. That’s the reality of modern college football.
But the Ducks aren’t scrambling - they’re evolving. And as long as Lanning is at the helm, Oregon’s going to keep finding ways to stay in the national conversation.