Spring practice: Oregon's offense takes a professional step forward

Oregon offensive coordinator Will Stein spoke with the media on Saturday about his comfort level with Oregon's new-look offense

Oregon Ducks offensive coordinator Will Stein is replacing a lot this spring.

Bo Nix, a quarterback so good he began the 2023 season on billboards, is on his way to the NFL. So too is record-setting receiver Troy Franklin, multi-faceted running back Bucky Irving and Rimington Award-winning center Jackson Powers-Johnson. 

But listening to the second-year OC speak after Oregon’s spring practice Saturday, it doesn’t sound like the coach sees this new group as one to take a step back from 2023’s No. 2 offense in the nation. 

Skill players? Stein rolled through a list of proven returners — Tez Johnson, Noah Whittington, Traeshon Holden — and gave a nod to some young players he’s seen make a big push already — Jurrion Dickey and Kenyon Sadiq. He also said what we’ve all really come to realize about his quarterback room here in 2024. 

“I mean, they’re professionals,” Stein told reporters. “They take it serious.”