With spring football underway, Oregon offensive coordinator Will Stein is keeping a close eye on leadership development across the roster.
Following the departures of key veterans like Dillon Gabriel and Tez Johnson, the Ducks are looking for new voices to emerge, and Stein believes one player is already stepping up.
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“I love that Poncho is finding his voice,” Stein said after a spring practice this month. “He was an underclassman last year, but now for me, he is the anchor up front.”
Iapani “Poncho” Laloulu, who played a key role on Oregon’s offensive line last season, is expected to be one of the nation’s top interior linemen in 2025. Stein emphasized that despite not starting as a freshman, Laloulu’s extensive playing time has made him a de facto veteran presence for the unit.
New Oregon offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Will Stein leads a drill on the first practice of spring for Oregon football as the Ducks prepare for the 2023 season.© Chris Pietsch/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK
“He didn’t necessarily start as a freshman, but he played a lot,” Stein said. “So to me, he’s almost like a three-year starter for us. He’s definitely one of our leaders.”
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Leadership on the offensive line will be crucial for the Ducks, who are replacing four starters this season. Stein’s comments highlight Laloulu as the clear voice in that group, helping to establish the team’s culture as Oregon works through spring camp.
While Laloulu is leading up front, Stein is also pushing for vocal leadership from the Ducks’ quarterbacks, Dante Moore and Austin Novosad.
“I keep challenging our quarterbacks to find their voice,” Stein said. “We talked about being the conductor of the offense today and what that means.
“It starts with your actions.”
Oregon’s emerging leaders will be on display at the 2025 Oregon Spring Game on Saturday, April 26. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. PST at Autzen Stadium.
