Dan Lanning has Oregon firing on all cylinders, boasting a 35-6 record, a Big Ten title, and a flawless 13-0 start in conference play. The Ducks even reclaimed the No. 1 ranking for the first time since 2012. Meanwhile, Michigan’s Sherrone Moore has solidified his dominance, securing four consecutive wins over Ohio State and a major bowl victory against Alabama. However, as both programs continue their rise, analyst Josh Pate has pointed out a critical flaw—quarterback depth could be their Achilles’ heel.
Michigan enters the 2025 season with a major storyline: the battle between Bryce Underwood and Mikey Keene. The Wolverines struggled at quarterback in 2024, leading them to pursue Underwood, the nation’s No. 1 recruit. Pate describes the situation as a clash between stability and potential, acknowledging Keene’s experience (2,892 yards, 18 TDs, 11 INTs, 70.5% completion) while recognizing Underwood’s raw talent (2,509 yards, 32 TDs, 6 INTs, 71.8% completion) at the high school level.
But Michigan’s problems extend beyond the quarterback room. Pate highlights concerns over their defensive line turnover and lack of production at wide receiver—no Michigan receiver caught more than 30 passes or surpassed 250 yards last season. Additionally, Michigan returned only 63% of its offensive production (47th nationally) and 64% on defense (28th) last year. Fixing these issues will be crucial in 2025.
On the West Coast, Oregon faces a similar test. Pate raises a key question: Is Oregon truly at the elite level where it simply reloads rather than rebuilds? While the Ducks sent 12 players to the NFL Combine, this success comes at a cost—they return only 41% of their production, ranking 109th nationally. For comparison, teams like Clemson (81%) and Arizona State (79%) have far more stability.
Quarterback depth is also a concern for the Ducks. Pate acknowledges the potential of Dante Moore, their projected starter, but stresses that Moore still needs to prove himself at the collegiate level. With a revamped roster and heavy expectations, Dan Lanning’s ability to develop his new lineup will be put to the test.
Despite these challenges, Oregon has made a strong commitment to Lanning, extending his contract by six years with a $66 million deal. The move ensures he remains in Eugene, preventing potential departures to the NFL or other college programs. As analyst J.D. PicKell notes, Oregon has long been a stepping-stone job, with coaches like Mario Cristobal, Willie Taggart, and Chip Kelly leaving for other opportunities. The Ducks are now positioning themselves as a destination program.
Ultimately, both Michigan and Oregon are built to contend, but their success in 2025 will depend on whether their unproven talent can step up. Quarterback performance, defensive replacements, and overall roster cohesion will determine if they can live up to their lofty expectations.