O'Neil was a star high school quarterback at Mater Dei in Orange County, California[1] and was heavily recruited by Alabama and USC but chose to play for Rich Brooks at the University of Oregon.
[2] Despite being a four-year starter who set numerous passing records for the Ducks, O'Neil struggled throughout his career in Eugene.
Though the Ducks lost to #2 Penn State 38–20, O'Neil set Rose Bowl records for most passes completed (41), most attempts (61), most yardage (465), most plays (74), and most total offense (456 yards), and was named the game's co-MVP with Penn State's Ki-Jana Carter.
[4] O'Neil was named first team all-conference as a senior, leading the Ducks to three pivotal come-from-behind victories; defeating #9 Washington, #11 Arizona, and archrival Oregon State in order to win the Pac-10 Conference championship.
He passed for 8,301 yards and 62 touchdowns in his career at Oregon and also led the Ducks to the 1992 Independence Bowl.