Dan Lanning provides details on Oregon's quarterback battle ahead of fall camp

The first question Dan Lanning fielded at Oregon’s media day on Wednesday raised the topic that is on the mind of every Duck fan: where does the program’s quarterback competition stand at the moment?

Lanning didn’t provide much in the way of new details on which player is best suited to lead the Ducks’ offense in 2022. He did, however, happily reveal which of them is elite at another activity. 

“I would like to announce that last night — I didn’t think it was possible — but I was able to beat Jay Butterfield and Ty Thompson in corn hole. Jay Butterfield might be the best corn hole player I’ve ever seen firsthand. It’s amazing.”

The response drew a few laughs and deflected attention — however briefly — from the storyline that will define Oregon’s 2022 fall camp. One of Butterfield, Thompson, or Bo Nix is going to be named the Ducks’ starting quarterback within the next four weeks. 

Lanning and offensive coordinator Kenny Dillingham have made it clear what they are looking for at the position. Now, they will let their stable of 5- and 4-star signal-callers go out and compete. 

“Ultimately, you have to have a great understanding of the system that we run,” Lanning said. “For me at quarterback, it’s about a guy who can get the ball to an open receiver and a guy who doesn’t turn it over.

“I think all those guys have a good understanding of the offense. They understand what Kenny is looking for from a process standpoint.”

Last season, Oregon’s offensive production was limited by its inability to constantly move the ball downfield through the air. Dillingham has made it abundantly clear — both during interviews and during the program’s spring game — that the same issue will not exist in Eugene this season. 

Lanning reiterated that notion on Friday. 

“We have to take care of the football,” Lanning said. “And then when we get an opportunity to take a shot downfield and generate an explosive play, they’ve got to have the confidence that they can let the thing go and let our wideouts, our tight ends, our backs go get that ball.”

During spring ball, Oregon’s quarterbacks spoke glowingly of one another. Those within the program say that Butterfield, Thompson, and Nix are pushing each other to be better day in and day out.

In April, Thompson called Nix’s arrival to the program “a blessing” and said the only goal that exists inside the quarterback room is to help Oregon become as successful as possible.

Lanning was blunt on Friday; he noted that if publicly revealing details regarding the quarterback competition gave his program a competitive advantage, he would do so. As far as he’s concerned, though, there is no benefit.

“I’m excited to see our quarterbacks compete,” Lanning said. “They do a great job. Kenny does an awesome job developing those guys. We’re gonna keep making sure we get our guys enough reps.

“You can’t have just one quarterback going into the season, so we’re gonna make sure we operate with that mentality.”