Everything seems to be going Oregon’s way this week. More positive news arrived from the NFL just days after HC Dan Lanning’s side dominated Wisconsin 21-7 at Autzen Stadium. Former Oregon QB Tyler Shough officially earned his first start for the New Orleans Saints after HC Kellen Moore benched Spencer Rattler. This marks a new era for the Ducks, with five former players all starting for their respective NFL teams. Oregon has a claim few programs in the nation can match, as college football’s new QB-U.

In this historic moment, Tyler Shough joins the coveted list of Oregon quarterback alumni who have joined NFL teams. The list includes Oregon legend Marcus Mariota, Justin Herbert, Dillon Gabriel, and Bo Nix. Kellen Moore’s decision to start Tyler cements Dan Lanning’s Oregon as one of the best quarterback producers in college. With how Oregon’s season has been going, this just adds to the program’s overall success. And the good news keeps coming in.

Big Ten reporter James Crepea shared a post on X titled “With Tyler Shough now in for New Orleans, Oregon’s starting QBs from 2012-14, 2016-20 and 2022-24 are all playing in the NFL this week.” In it, he pointed out that four Oregon quarterback alumni are playing this week. That would mean Mariota, Herbert, Nix, and Tyler will all start for their respective teams. Dillon Gabriel will not be on this list as the Cleveland Browns have a bye week.

So, in the last 13 years, Oregon has produced five worthy QBs who are all solid players for their teams in the NFL. Marcus Mariota, arguably Oregon’s greatest QB, donned the green-yellow jersey from 2012-15. His speed, accuracy, and leadership helped him win the Heisman trophy 2014. He left with 10,796 passing yards, 105 TDs, and 2,237 rushing yards for the Ducks. Injuries and inconsistencies took him through some ups and downs with the Washington Commanders. But getting a lifeline after QB Jayden Daniels got injured changed his career forever.

Justin Herbert, who played for the LA Chargers, was also a distinctive figure in Oregon from 2016 to 19. He led the Ducks to a 2020 Rose Bowl win and was named the Offensive MVP. And he did not stop in the NFL. With 20,000 career passing yards by 2024, he became one of the fastest QBs in history to hit that mark. Nix, Dillon, and Tyler did have fine careers at the Ducks, and they made sure to represent them in the NFL, now that they are part of the glorious list from Oregon.

With Tyler Shough confirmed as the Saints’ starting quarterback, Oregon’s football program looks even stronger. That would be a positive sign for Dan Lanning, who ensured he kept up with producing talent for the Ducks since he became the HC in December 2021.

QB-U news lights fire in Dan Lanning

With a 7-1 record this season, it seems nothing could go wrong for Dan Lanning’s side. And now, with Tyler Shough’s breaking news, the sun is shining brightly on the Oregon side. They are missing Dante Moore, who got a bloody nose in the Wisconsin win. With their ace piece missing, Lanning has shown belief in backup QB Brock Thomas, who played decently in the remainder of the Wisconsin game.

For Brock Thomas, this will be the time to shine. He went a perfect 4-for-4 passing for 46 yards and was the engine behind two second-half touchdown drives. He has the support of Dan Lanning and of the man he replaced. His ability to be composed even after being called on during a crisis showcased that the quarterback might be a suitable replacement.

With the Tyler Shough news, Brock Thomas can take it as motivation to improve. After all, he is a quarterback for a program that produces NFL starter-worthy quarterbacks. Lanning’s motivation helps players to take the next step into the big leagues. Due to this, the pressure is on, coach.