The Oregon Ducks are heading into 2026 with a mix of continuity, high-upside talent, and a few question marks that could define their season. After another College Football Playoff run that ended in disappointment-this time falling to Indiana in the Peach Bowl-the Ducks are reloading, not rebuilding. And with a top-10 preseason ranking likely on the horizon, there’s plenty to be optimistic about in Eugene.
Let’s dive into two position groups that look significantly improved after Oregon’s offseason moves-and two others where the Ducks still have something to prove before opening the season against Boise State.
Quarterback Room: Locked In for Now and the Future
When you’ve got a quarterback with first-round NFL potential returning, that’s the kind of offseason win that sets the tone for everything else. Dante Moore is back, and that’s huge.
He announced his return on Jan. 14, giving Oregon a proven leader under center-one who’s already shown he can handle the spotlight and deliver in big moments. Moore’s presence provides not just stability, but the kind of high-level play that can elevate the Ducks' offense to elite status again.
But Oregon didn’t stop there. They also added Dylan Raiola, a two-year starter at Nebraska and former five-star recruit.
Raiola is recovering from a broken fibula suffered in 2025, but he’s expected to sit behind Moore this season, just like Moore once waited behind Dillon Gabriel. That’s a luxury most programs don’t have: a ready-made successor with major upside already in the building.
For the next two seasons, Oregon’s quarterback situation looks as solid as it’s been in years. Moore leads the charge in 2026, and Raiola is waiting in the wings. That’s how you build sustained success.
Secondary: Versatility and Depth Take a Step Forward
Oregon’s defensive backfield was basically rebuilt from scratch in 2025. Now, the Ducks head into 2026 with more experience, more talent, and a lot more flexibility.
Brandon Finney Jr. returns after a breakout freshman campaign at corner, and Ify Obidegwu is poised to lock down the other boundary spot. That’s a strong starting duo. But what really elevates this group is what Oregon added through the portal-and what they’ve developed behind the scenes.
Koi Perich, an all-conference safety from Minnesota, brings experience and range to the back end. He’ll pair well with Baylor transfer Carl Williams IV, giving the Ducks a veteran presence in the middle of the field. Then there’s Aaron Scott Jr., a former five-star from Ohio State, who adds even more talent to a group that already includes rising sophomores Trey McNutt and Na’eem Offord.
Oregon’s secondary also got a boost from another top-five recruiting class, with blue-chippers like Jett Washington and Devin Jackson joining the mix. After struggling with inexperience last year, this unit looks deeper, more versatile, and ready to take a big leap.
Defensive Line: Starters Set, Depth in Question
There’s no sugarcoating it-Oregon’s defensive line took a hit this offseason. Seven linemen and edge rushers left via the portal, and while none of the starters jumped ship, the losses leave a noticeable gap in the second unit.
The starting four-Bear Alexander, A’Mauri Washington, Matayo Uiagalelei, and Teitum Tuioti-are as good as any in the country. That’s the good news.
The challenge is what happens behind them. Oregon lost key depth, including edge rusher Blake Purchase, and that’s where the Ducks had to hit the portal again.
They brought in Jerome Simmons from Louisiana-Monroe and D’Antre Robinson from North Carolina to help fill the void. Both are capable, but they’ll need to adjust quickly to the demands of playing in a high-expectation program like Oregon.
The edge group still has some firepower. Five-star freshman Anthony “Tank” Jones is expected to get early reps, and Elijah Rushing will be part of the rotation. But if the Ducks are going to make another playoff push, they’ll need their second-string linemen to step up and prove they can hold the line when the starters come off the field.
Linebacker: Young, Talented, and Still Unproven
Oregon’s linebacker group is walking into 2026 with a lot of potential-and just as many questions. The biggest hole? Replacing Bryce Boettcher, the team’s leading tackler and one of the most consistent players on the roster last season.
Rather than dipping into the portal for a veteran replacement, the Ducks are betting on their youth. Brayden Platt and Dylan Williams, both highly regarded recruits, are expected to take on bigger roles after spending the last two seasons developing behind the scenes.
Jerry Mixon and Devon Jackson are the most experienced backers on the roster, but neither has been a full-time starter. That means the coaching staff is putting a lot of faith in internal development. It’s a bold move-but one that could pay off if the young core lives up to its recruiting hype.
Keep an eye on Gavin Nix, a top prospect who redshirted in 2025, and incoming freshmen Braylon Hodge and Tristan Phillips. All three bring athleticism and upside, but like the rest of the group, they’ll need to adjust quickly to the speed and physicality of the college game.
The Bottom Line
Oregon isn’t shying away from expectations in 2026. With a returning star at quarterback, a reloaded secondary, and one of the best starting defensive lines in the country, the Ducks have the pieces to make another playoff run.
But depth on the defensive front and inexperience at linebacker could be the difference between another semifinal exit and a shot at the national title. If the young talent steps up, this could be the year Oregon finally breaks through.