Oregon Football Coach Evaluates Recruits with Simple Dessert Question

Ducks QB coach Koa Ka'ai assesses decision-making skills with a surprising ice cream query.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 5:08pm by Ben Kaplan

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract, expressionist painting in neon colors depicting a quarterback making a quick decision, the football blurring into an energetic, gestural shape.Oregon's innovative approach to evaluating quarterback recruits reveals the mental agility needed to excel on the field.Eugene Today

In a unique approach to evaluating quarterback recruits, Oregon football coach Koa Ka'ai asks a simple question about dessert preferences. Ka'ai believes a player's response to 'chocolate or vanilla ice cream?' reveals crucial decision-making abilities needed to succeed on the field in high-pressure situations.

Why it matters

This unconventional tactic provides insight into a recruit's mental processing speed and ability to make snap judgments - critical skills for a quarterback leading an offense. Ka'ai's approach challenges the traditional evaluation methods, potentially unearthing talents that may be overlooked by more conventional means.

The details

During spring practices, Ka'ai told reporters that he asks quarterback recruits a straightforward question: 'Chocolate or vanilla ice cream?' The coach explained that any hesitation in answering reveals a player's inability to make quick decisions, which could hinder their performance in high-stakes game scenarios in front of large crowds.

  • Oregon's spring game is scheduled for Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 4 p.m. ET.

The players

Koa Ka'ai

The quarterbacks coach for the Oregon Ducks football team, known for his unconventional approach to evaluating recruits.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'If you pause on ice cream, what are you going to do on third down in front of 110,000 fans?'”

— Koa Ka'ai, Oregon Quarterbacks Coach

The takeaway

Oregon's unique approach to evaluating quarterback recruits through a simple dessert preference question challenges traditional scouting methods. This innovative tactic aims to identify players with the mental agility and decision-making skills needed to thrive in high-pressure game situations.