Oregon is expected to start Brock Thomas at quarterback against Nebraska on Saturday, according to reporting by CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz and Chris Hummer. The move would give the senior his first career start and place Dylan Raiola on the bench after his struggles in the previous game. It remains a reported plan rather than an officially announced lineup in the available accounts.
The change follows a game against UCLA in which Raiola was replaced after completing only six of 19 passes, according to the account carried by Yahoo Sports. Thomas entered and completed 11 of 16 throws for 156 yards and a touchdown. That relief performance appears to have put him in position for a larger assignment.
Why Oregon Is Changing Quarterbacks
Dante Moore remains sidelined while recovering from a concussion, leaving coach Dan Lanning to decide between the other available options. CBS Sports reported that Thomas received most of the first-team practice opportunities during the week. Lanning discussed the need to protect possession while also acknowledging that the coaching staff could have done more to put Raiola in favorable situations.
Raiola's recent form has been inconsistent. Against USC, he completed 76 percent of his passes and produced 289 passing yards with two touchdowns. The subsequent performance against UCLA went in the opposite direction, reopening questions about who should direct the offense while Moore is unavailable.
Thomas has a limited record of competitive passing attempts despite spending several seasons in the program. CBS Sports listed 36 career attempts, with 302 yards and two touchdowns. The same report described him as a former walk-on who joined the Ducks in 2023. This would be his first start rather than his first appearance.
The Stakes of the Decision
Nebraska presents an important test at a point when Oregon's hopes of reaching the College Football Playoff are under pressure. CBS Sports argued that the Ducks have little room for further defeats, although that assessment is not a mathematical elimination scenario. The priority is to find steadier quarterback play without Moore.
Yahoo Sports reported that leading receiver Evan Stewart was listed as doubtful, another potential limitation on the offense. It also recalled a previous appearance in which Thomas completed four passes against Wisconsin and helped protect a lead. Those examples suggest why the coaching staff might favor a more controlled approach.
Saturday's game will provide the first substantial measure of whether Thomas can manage an entire start. It may also shape Lanning's choices if Moore remains unavailable, though neither report establishes a date for Moore's return.
Reporting sources: CBS Sports Headlines, “Oregon likely to start Brock Thomas at QB: Ducks make key change as CFP hopes hang in balance” · sports.yahoo.com, “Report: Oregon expected to start Brock Thomas at QB vs. Nebraska”.