In three seasons with the Oregon Ducks, quarterback Austin Novosad stuck around, awaiting his turn to start. The four-star passer from the 2023 class competed with Dante Moore for the starting nod in 2025, but was beat out and ultimately entered the transfer portal after the season having completed 12-of-15 passes for 99 yards as a Duck.
Novosad soon committed to the Bowling Green Falcons, getting a fresh start and looking to compete for the starting job during his junior campaign. Once again, he was beat out, this time by Division-II Assumption College transfer Jay Kastantin.
But with Kastantin out with an injury, Novosad finally got his first career college start on Tuesday night in Bowling Green's MAC matchup with Kent State. He didn't disappoint,
completing 15-of-25 passes for 229 yards and three touchdowns, leading the Falcons to a 33-28 victory.
Former Oregon Ducks QB Austin Novosad’s first career TD pass.
— Bjorn Bergstrom (@BjornBergstrom2) November 11, 2026
Started for Bowling Green tonight, has 200 yards, 3TDs thru 3 quarters.
Currently airing on ESPNU pic.twitter.com/HJJO67Mr1c
The former Ducks' first career touchdown pass was as impressive as it gets, converting a third-and-six for a 70-yard touchdown to his running back with a free rusher in his face.
After Bowling Green built a two-score lead, Kent State rallied back and took a 28-27 lead with 2:00 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. Novosad completed a pass for 16 yards before Bowling Green running back Nakai Amachree ran down the left sideline for the 48-yard game-winning score. The Falcons stopped the Golden Flashes on the ensuing drive, giving Novosad a win in his first game as a starter.
With just a 2-7 record with Kastantin at the helm, Bowling Green would be smart to give Novosad a longer look as their starting quarterback.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Former Duck QB Austin Novosad throws 3 TDs in 1st career start
