Oregon Ducks 2025 Season Report Card: Evaluating a Year That Fell Just Short of Glory
Fifteen games. Thirteen wins.
Two College Football Playoff victories. And one heartbreaking end just shy of the ultimate prize.
The 2025 Oregon Ducks didn’t bring home the program’s first national championship, but they gave fans a season packed with promise, grit, and a glimpse of what the future might hold. From breakout stars to veteran leadership, this was a team that battled through adversity, leaned on its depth, and showed flashes of championship pedigree.
Now, with the season in the books, it’s time to take a closer look at how each position group performed - not just in moments, but across the full arc of a high-stakes season. The standard here is high.
The bar was a national title. So let’s break it down.
Quarterbacks
Grade: A-
Dante Moore came into the year with questions swirling. After a rocky freshman campaign at UCLA and a quiet transfer season in Eugene, the spotlight was on him - and for the most part, he delivered.
Moore showcased elite arm talent from the jump, carving up defenses with precision and poise. He has the tools: big-time arm, sharp accuracy, mobility when needed, and a calm demeanor that belies his age.
But when the lights were brightest - particularly against Indiana - Moore’s inexperience showed. The Hoosiers threw simulated pressures and disguised coverages at him that he hadn’t seen before, and it rattled him.
That’s not a knock on his talent, just a reminder that reps matter. Still, Moore proved he’s the future under center in Eugene, and the ceiling is sky-high.
Running Backs
Grade: A
This group was nothing short of outstanding. You could make a strong case that Oregon had the best running back room in the country in 2025.
Noah Whittington was the workhorse, racking up 829 yards with a steady, physical style. Jordon Davison was a touchdown machine in short yardage, piling up 15 scores and living in the end zone.
And then there was Dierre Hill Jr., who brought the juice - 8.7 yards per carry and 8.6 yards per catch - a true home-run threat every time he touched the ball.
The only thing keeping this group from an A+? A quiet semifinal showing outside of Hill and Harris.
But week in and week out, this unit was a nightmare for opposing defenses. Balance, explosiveness, and depth - this was the heartbeat of Oregon’s offense.
Wide Receivers / Tight Ends
Grade: B+
Injuries hit this group hard, but the Ducks didn’t fold. Instead, they adapted.
Malik Benson and Jeremiah McClellan stepped up after starting the year further down the depth chart, becoming reliable targets for Moore as the season wore on. Kenyon Sadiq delivered some jaw-dropping performances from the tight end spot, and when he wasn’t at his best, Jamari Johnson rose to the occasion late in the year.
The Ducks didn’t have a clear-cut No. 1 receiver by season’s end, but the group as a whole played above expectations. They were versatile, tough, and gave Moore enough options to keep the offense humming - even when key playmakers like Dakorien Moore and Gary Bryant Jr. were sidelined.
Offensive Line
Grade: B+
This unit was a Joe Moore Award finalist - and for good reason. For much of the season, they were dominant, giving Moore time and creating lanes for the backs. Iapani Laloulu and Emmanuel Pregnon were anchors, with Pregnon earning first-team All-American honors.
But in the semifinal loss to Indiana, the cracks showed. Isaiah World and Alex Harkey struggled against a relentless Hoosiers front, and the protection breakdowns played a big role in Oregon’s offensive stall.
When your quarterback is young and still learning to read complex defenses, the line has to be rock solid. For most of the year, they were.
But in the biggest moment, the wall wobbled - and that keeps them just shy of elite.
Defensive Line
Grade: B
On paper, this group had everything - size, speed, depth, and NFL-caliber talent. Bear Alexander and A’Mauri Washington held down the middle, while Matayo Uiagalelei and Teitum Tuioti brought pressure off the edge. Backups like Tionne Gray, Terrance Green, Nasir Wyatt, and Blake Purchase gave the Ducks one of the deepest rotations in the country.
But the production didn’t match the potential. Oregon finished in the bottom half of FBS in sacks and tackles for loss during the regular season. They turned it up in the CFP opener against Texas Tech, but Indiana ran the ball effectively and gave quarterback Fernando Mendoza a clean pocket for most of the game - he completed 17-of-20 passes with little resistance.
The good news? Every starter is expected back in 2026.
The challenge? Turning talent into consistent disruption.
Linebackers
Grade: B
This group had its moments, but it leaned heavily on Bryce Boettcher. The veteran linebacker was everywhere - 136 tackles, two forced fumbles, and double-digit stops in nearly every big game. He was the glue, the tone-setter, and the most consistent defensive presence on the team.
Jerry Mixon flashed, especially with a 13-tackle game against Iowa, but wasn’t consistent week to week. Devon Jackson struggled to make an impact, averaging just over three tackles per game. With Boettcher graduating, this unit becomes one of the biggest question marks heading into 2026 - and likely a top priority in the transfer portal.
Secondary
Grade: A-
For much of the year, this was the best pass defense in the country. Oregon’s secondary blanketed receivers, forced quarterbacks into mistakes, and looked like a shutdown unit.
But cracks started to show late in the season. USC lit them up for 330 yards and four touchdowns, and both James Madison and Indiana found success through the air.
Freshman standout Brandon Finney Jr. had a strong year overall but struggled with penalties and ball tracking late in the season. Still, the group had stars.
Jadon Canady was a force in the slot, and Dillon Thieneman was everywhere - a ballhawk in coverage and a thumper near the line of scrimmage. He essentially played linebacker at times, helping fill gaps and clean up missed tackles.
There’s a lot of young talent here - Na’eem Offord, Ify Obidegwu, Finney - and they were aided by savvy veterans all season. The group has the pieces to be elite again in 2026.
Special Teams
Grade: A
Special teams don’t always get the spotlight, but Oregon’s third phase was a game-changer all year. Blocked punts?
Check. A punt return touchdown from Malik Benson?
Check. A fake punt converted by James Ferguson-Reynolds?
Check. And then there was kicker Atticus Sappington, who had multiple games where he was arguably the Ducks’ MVP.
He did miss five kicks, which keeps this from being a perfect A+, but overall, this unit was lights out. In a season where field position and momentum swings mattered, Oregon’s special teams consistently delivered.
Final Takeaway
The Ducks didn’t win it all, but they came close - and they did it with a mix of veteran savvy and young breakout stars. The foundation is strong, the talent is real, and the hunger is only going to grow. If Oregon can clean up a few key areas - particularly in the trenches and linebacker depth - 2026 could be the year they finally break through.
The championship window is still wide open in Eugene.