Justin Herbert and Bo Nix have cemented themselves as their NFL franchises' starting quarterbacks, Dillon Gabriel has earned the starting role as a rookie, and Marcus Mariota has returned as a starter during his 11th season in the league.
Now, a fifth former Oregon quarterback is set to earn the start as Tyler Shough, who began his career with the Ducks but finished with the Louisville Cardinals, was named as the New Orleans Saints' QB1.
While Shough might not have a direct tie to the Oregon Ducks anymore, he is yet another quarterback who went through the dominant football program in Eugene, just like Herbert, Nix, Gabriel, and Mariota.
The other four quarterbacks, of course, finished their collegiate careers at Oregon, with three of them becoming first-round draft picks after their time with the Ducks.
Is Oregon the newest QBU?
Beyond the group of quarterbacks that is about to start in the NFL this weekend, all five of Oregon's most recent starting quarterbacks have started in at least one game at the next level. Even Anthony Brown started for the Baltimore Ravens during his rookie season in the league, following suit behind Herbert and further leading the way for Nix and Gabriel.
Saints HC Kellen Moore told reporters that the team plans to start rookie QB Tyler Shough for the remainder of the season. pic.twitter.com/6JOQIOpBJm
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 29, 2025
While there is obviously an argument for schools like Oklahoma and Alabama to be the true QBUs at the next level, with the Sooners producing Kyler Murray, Jalen Hurts, and Baker Mayfield, and the Crimson Tide producing Tua Tagovailoa, Mac Jones, and Bryce Young.
However, Hurts had to attend both Oklahoma and Alabama, while starters like Caleb Williams didn't finish his career, nor gain his Heisman-winning status, with the Sooners.
Meanwhile, Mariota started and finished with the Ducks, as well as winning the Heisman Trophy at Oregon. Justin Herbert, a Eugene native, also played his entire collegiate career for Oregon. Neither Nix nor Gabriel weren't expected to be able to compete at the NFL level until they spent a year or two with the Ducks.
No, Shough didn't finish his career at Oregon, but he got his first-ever start with the Ducks, and his time in Eugene propelled him toward the rest of his career.