Major news for college football fans! Former Oregon Ducks quarterback Austin Novosad is making a move, and it's a big one. According to reports, he's committed to a team in the Mid-American Conference (MAC). This announcement has sent ripples through the college football world, as fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this transfer will impact his career.
- Updated: January 16, 2026, at 2:31 p.m.
- Published: January 16, 2026, at 2:30 p.m.
By James Crepea of The Oregonian/OregonLive.
Novosad, who previously played for the Oregon Ducks, is now headed to Bowling Green. ESPN reported the news, confirming his commitment. The quarterback has two years of eligibility remaining, giving him ample opportunity to make an impact.
Looking back at his college career, Novosad was a highly-regarded recruit in 2023, ranked among the top 150 players. In Oregon's season opener against Montana State, he completed 1 of 2 passes for 40 yards. However, he didn't see any further action for the remainder of the season.
In 2024, the 6-foot-3, 200-pound quarterback went 2 for 2 for seven yards. During his redshirt year in 2023, he completed 9 of 11 passes for 52 yards.
But here's where it gets interesting: Novosad's transfer isn't an isolated event. He's one of many Oregon players seeking opportunities elsewhere.
- Former Oregon defensive tackle Xadavien Sims commits to an SEC team.
- Former Oregon edge defender Tobi Haastrup commits to a Big 12 team.
- Former Oregon outside linebacker Blake Purchase commits to an SEC team.
Novosad is the fifteenth of 23 UO players to transfer this offseason and commit to other teams. He joins a list of players including running backs Makhi Hughes (Houston), Jay Harris (Kansas State), and Jayden Limar (Washington), cornerbacks Jahlil Florence (Missouri), Sione Laulea (Missouri), and Dakoda Fields (Oklahoma), and safeties Kingston Lopa (Cal), Solomon Davis (San Diego State), and Daylen Austin (Arizona), offensive lineman Lipe Moala (Hawaii), receivers Justius Lowe (San Diego State) and Cooper Perry (Cal), defensive linemen Tionne Gray (Notre Dame) and Ashton Porter (Houston), and outside linebacker Blake Purchase (Ole Miss).
James Crepea, the Oregon Ducks beat reporter and Big Ten sports reporter for The Oregonian/OregonLive, primarily covers football, men's basketball, women's basketball, baseball, and softball.
What do you think about this trend of player transfers? Do you believe it's beneficial for the players, the teams, or both? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
