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The quarterback position belongs to Dante Moore, who turned down being a potential Top 5 NFL Draft pick to return to Oregon. Another year in college will help Moore to continue to develop as a leader and the mental side of the game. The Ducks also added Nebraska transfer Dylan Raiola and will learn behind Moore this season.
The running back room returns experience in Jordan Davison and Dierre Hill. The thunder (Davison, 236 pounds) and lighting (Hill, 175 pounds) duo combined for 1,323 yards as backups, as freshmen. Watch out for what that could accomplish this season. Colorado transfer Simeon Price will also see action.
The wide receiver room returns experience in Jeremiah McClellan, Dakorien Moore, Evan Stewart, and tight end Jamari Johnson. Stewart is returning from an injury, and Johnson is the Ducks next NFL tight end. The additions of Iverson Hooks (UAB), 5-star true freshman Jalen Lott, and multiple tight ends provide even more explosiveness.
The offensive line room returns experience in Iapani Laloulu (All-Big 10), David Iuli (All-Big 10), Kawika Rogers, Trent Ferguson, Gernorris Wilson, and Fox Crader. Watch out for redshirt freshman Douglas Utu. The additions of Michael Bennett III (Yale) and 5-star true freshman Immanuel Iheanacho are massive.
The defensive line room could be the best in the nation. Matayo Uiagalelei, A’Mauri Washington, and Bear Alexander could have all turned pro but return. Watch out for Aydin Breland and Matthew Johnson’s development. The additions of Jerome Simmons (ULM), Bleu Dantzler (Oregon State), D’Antre Robinson (North Carolina), and Markus Dixon (Clemson) bring even more weapons.
The linebacker room returns production in Teitum Tuioti, Jerry Mixon, Devon Jackson, and Nasir Wyatt. Tuioti could have also turned pro but decided to return. Wyatt could develop into a star and 4-star true freshman Anthony “Tank” Jones Jr. looks the part.
The secondary returns experience in Brnadon Finney Jr., Ify Obidegwu, Aaron Flowers, Zach Grisham, Na’Eem Offord, and Peyton Woodyard. The additions of Carl Williams IV (Baylor), Aaron Scott Jr. (Ohio State), Koi Perich (Minnesota), and Tre Watson (JUCO) provide even more depth.
There is a competition at kicker between Gage Hurych and Nevada transfer Keaton Emmett. Punting duties will belong to Nevada transfer Bailey Ettridge.
There is only one thing alluding Oregon and head coach Dan Lanning, and that is a national championship. This very well could be the best roster in the country from top to bottom. It’s championship or bust with so many future high draft picks on this roster. Two new coordinators could lead to initial growing pains in Eugene.
