Everyone pointing to Oregon's QB room as some unstoppable force with Dante Moore and Dylan Raiola battling it out needs to slow down and actually look at what Texas has brewing under center this spring. The Longhorns finished 2025 ranked 6th nationally in passing efficiency at 168.3 and that was with a quarterback who is now preparing for the NFL Draft. The system Sarkisian runs has produced back-to-back seasons with a QBR over 80 and the supporting cast around the next man up might actually be deeper than what we saw last year.
The real story nobody wants to admit is that Texas has quietly built the most QB-friendly environment in the SEC through roster construction and scheme continuity. The offensive line returns three starters with a combined 58 career starts and the receiving corps added a 6-foot-4 transfer who posted a 72.3 PFF receiving grade against man coverage last season. When you pair that with a running game that averaged 5.1 yards per carry in 2025, the next quarterback walking into this huddle has every structural advantage a program can provide.
Oregon's situation looks flashy on paper but Raiola is learning his third offense in three years and Moore has started exactly eight games at this level. The Ducks ranked 22nd in passing efficiency last season at 151.7 and that was with a veteran signal caller who knew the system cold. Texas might not have a household name at quarterback right now but the Longhorns have the highest returning team SP+ rating in the SEC at 24.7 and that offensive infrastructure is carrying whoever wins the job.
The gap between Texas and Oregon in quarterback efficiency isn't about the individual talent in the room. It is about the 40 percent pressure rate allowed by the Ducks offensive line last season compared to the 28 percent Texas surrendered. Protection wins championships and the Longhorns have the edge there by a wide margin heading into summer workouts.