From Player to Play-Caller: Ka’ai’s QB Masterclass
With Will Stein off to Kentucky, Koa Ka’ai stepped up as Oregon’s quarterbacks coach. He detailed his unlikely coaching journey—from defensive end to tight end at Oregon, through high school stints in Hawaii, GA roles on both sides of the ball, and analyst duties under Dan Lanning—culminating in his new QB leadership. Ka’ai praised returning starter Dante Moore’s system savvy, commended backup Dylan Raiola’s football IQ while rehabbing an injury, and highlighted the arm talent and growth of Akili “KJ” Smith Jr. He also described his behind-the-scenes role running meetings, relieving Stein’s workload, and his personal bond aiding Moore’s decision to return. Finally, Ka’ai lauded Oregon’s culture of opportunity under Lanning and outlined the cognitive traits he seeks in future quarterbacks.
Is it just me, or did we all expect a more dramatic origin story? “I was a pizza delivery guy who phoned in plays”—now that’s a narrative. Instead, Ka’ai spun a globe-trotting, position-hopping tale fit for a bunsen-burner-obsessed mad scientist. Thankfully he’s now concocting brain-fuelled quarterbacks at Oregon, because nothing says “signal-caller” like drilling recruits with ice-cream preference quizzes. Who knew choosing chocolate over vanilla was a litmus test for clutch performance? Next spring, watch for Ka’ai unveiling his patented “strawberry swirl conviction meter.” College football will never be the same.
Guard Crisis Afoot: Ducks’ Backcourt Holes Widen
After sophomore guard Wei Lin jumped into the transfer portal, Oregon’s backcourt depth dwindled dangerously. With Jackson Shelstad and JJ Frakes already in the portal, the Ducks face a glaring shortage of experienced guards and no incoming backcourt recruits. Meanwhile, the 2026 class is front-loaded with forwards—four-star Tajh Ariza, two-sport center Kendre Harrison, and three-star Seven Spurlock—leaving guard slots empty. Potential portal targets include Portland’s floor-general Joel Foxwell (15.6 ppg, 6.5 apg) and USC transfer Jerry Easter II, a multi-year piece familiar to Dana Altman’s staff.
Ah, the Oregon frontcourt fantasy camp: we’ve got wings aplenty but no seasoned chauffeurs to ferry the ball. Dana Altman’s roster blueprint apparently reads “big men only” and scribbles “guards? Meh.” Never mind that guards shoot the ball, dribble it, and occasionally save a season. Who needs them when you can have a mountain of 6’8” post players fighting over rebounds? If this were a reality show, it’d be “Survivor: Autzen Arena”—may the tallest man win immunity. Here’s hoping those transfer targets come quick, or Oregon’s next basketball adventure might just be teaching centers how to handle dribble moves. Go team?
Ducks on the Hunt: Bay Area Wing Eyes Oregon Move
All-West Coast Conference Second Team wing Tyrone Riley IV of San Francisco plans to visit Oregon on April 10, with Louisville on April 12, as he tests the transfer portal. The 6-6 slasher averaged 10.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.1 steals in 65 career starts for the Dons. Oregon’s pursuit extends to three more portal guards: San Jose State’s Colby Garland (20.3 ppg), Utah’s Terrence Brown (19.9 ppg), and VCU’s Terrence Hill Jr., the Atlantic 10’s Sixth Man and Most Improved honoree. Meanwhile, Ducks sophomores Wei Lin and Jackson Shelstad have entered the portal, and Kwame Evans Jr. is scheduling official visits, leaving Altman to rebuild a backcourt-heavy roster.
Welcome to “Transfer Portal: Oregon Edition,” where the Ducks treat roster turnover like a coffee shop menu—today’s special is “Wing à la Bay Area,” tomorrow’s is “Combo Guard Surprise.” One minute they’re wooing Riley IV with donuts at Matthew Knight Arena, the next they’re ghosting him for Terrence Hill Jr.’s Sixth Man swagger. And don’t forget the cameo appearances by Wei Lin and Jackson Shelstad as they vanish into the portal ether. It’s roster haute couture—mix, match, and pray it all fits by November. Next up: will Coach Altman recruit a local pigeon to fill the guard spot? Stay tuned.
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