ESPN has shifted where they had the Oregon Ducks in way too early 2026 College Football Top 25

Key additions: QB Dylan Raiola (Nebraska), OT Michael Bennett III (Yale), S Koi Perich (Minnesota), WR Iverson Hooks (UAB), S Carl Williams IV (Baylor), OT Immanuel Iheanacho (high school)

2026 outlook: After falling flat in the CFP for the second year in a row, the Ducks got an unexpected boost when quarterback Dante Moore — a potential top pick in the NFL draft — decided to return. They’ll have two new coordinators after Will Stein and Tosh Lupoi left for head coaching jobs at Kentucky and Cal, respectively. Coach Dan Lanning promoted Drew Mehringer to offensive coordinator and Chris Hampton to defensive coordinator. The Ducks should be solid on defense after All-Big Ten selections A’Mauri Washington, Matayo Uiagalelei and Teitum Tuioti decided to return, along with defensive tackle Bear Alexander. Perich was one of the best safeties in the FBS.

Why you should buy into Oregon

Whenever you have a talented quarterback returning, you are a team that is going to receive some hype. Barring injuries, Moore will have a lot of talent to throw to. The defense might be even better than the offense, bringing back a long list of impact defenders.

The most impressive part about Oregon is how diverse a team they are, and can be. On offense, they have the running back room to lean on teams, and the quarterback to be pass-heavy when there is a need. The same is the case on defense, having notable players to affect the run and passing game.

What could hold the Ducks back?

Under Coach Lanning, we have seen Oregon struggle in some of its biggest games. Whether that is just a coincidence or a flaw of the program, they will need to find a fix for that issue. Outside of those big game woes, the Ducks are mostly rebuilding their offensive line from a season ago, which is never a great thing to overhaul in a single offseason.