In an era when most top college linemen are quick to make the leap to the NFL, Oregon center Iapani “Poncho” Laloulu is choosing a different path - one that runs straight through Eugene for one more season.
The Ducks’ two-year starter at center announced he’s coming back for his senior year, giving Oregon a massive boost in the trenches and a key leader in the locker room. This marks the second major return for the Ducks in as many weeks, following defensive tackle Bear Alexander’s decision to also pass on the NFL Draft and run it back in 2026.
Laloulu made his announcement on Instagram, thanking his family, friends, and faith before delivering the news Duck fans were hoping for: “I will be returning back to EUGENE for my last season!”
And what a return it is. Laloulu isn’t just another returning starter - he’s the centerpiece of one of the nation’s most dominant offensive lines. A Rimington Award finalist and third-team AP All-American, Laloulu has been the anchor of a unit that helped power Oregon to a 12-1 season, a trip to the College Football Playoff, and a date with Texas Tech in the Orange Bowl.
Let’s be clear: this decision has ripple effects.
Laloulu is tight with quarterback Dante Moore, who’s still weighing his own future ahead of the January 15 draft declaration deadline. If Moore decides to stay, the Ducks would return one of the most experienced and battle-tested QB-center duos in the country. If Moore moves on, Laloulu becomes even more valuable - a steadying force for whoever steps into that high-pressure role under center.
And he’s not the only one with a decision looming. Teitum Tuioti, Kenyon Sadiq, Matayo Uiagalelei, Dillon Thieneman, A’Mauri Washington, and tight end Jamari Johnson are all draft-eligible.
The Ducks are already 2-for-2 in keeping key leaders home. If a few more follow suit, Oregon’s 2026 squad might be even more loaded than the 2025 version.
Let’s talk impact. Laloulu was the guy making the line calls, setting protections, and leading the way for a rushing attack that averaged 5.9 yards per carry - second-best in the nation - and piled up 2,822 yards on the ground.
In pass protection, the Ducks gave up just 13 sacks all season. That doesn’t happen without a center who knows how to command a front and keep everything in sync.
More than stats, Laloulu brought energy, toughness, and leadership to a group that quietly became one of the most consistent in college football. He was a critical voice for Moore in his first full season as the starter, and a tone-setter in the locker room.
Before the season, the 6-foot-2, 329-pound Honolulu native had his sights set on following in the footsteps of former Duck Jackson Powers-Johnson - win the Rimington Award and head to the NFL. Instead, that honor went to Iowa’s Logan Jones. But Laloulu and the Ducks got something else: 12 wins, a top-four finish, and a gritty 18-16 road win over Iowa in November where they gashed the Hawkeyes for 261 rushing yards - a game that quietly said a lot about Oregon’s physicality.
Now, with one more year to build on his already strong draft stock, Laloulu has a chance to chase both individual and team goals. The Rimington is still within reach.
So is the Joe Moore Award, which Oregon’s offensive line has been in the conversation for but hasn’t yet claimed. Most importantly, there’s a national title on the table.
His return also carries weight off the field. Laloulu will play a vital role in shaping the future of Oregon’s offensive line, especially as the Ducks prepare to replace three outgoing seniors - Immanuel Pregnon, Isaiah World, and Alex Harkey. Offensive line coach A’lique Terry may dip into the portal for reinforcements, but the Ducks already have a promising crop of young linemen in the pipeline.
That includes Immanuel Iheanacho, Tommy Tofi, Fox Crader, Douglas Utu, and Ziyare Addison - all high-upside prospects with the tools to develop into top-tier starters. And then there’s Koloi Keli, another Farrington High product from Hawaii who could be Laloulu’s heir at center. Having Poncho around as a mentor for those guys is invaluable - both culturally and technically.
For Oregon, this is a win on every level. Leadership?
Check. Experience?
Check. A proven difference-maker at one of the most underappreciated positions in football?
Big check.
Laloulu’s decision gives the Ducks a rock in the middle of their offense, a tone-setter in the locker room, and a chance to build something even bigger in 2026.