Oregon football has been on a steady climb under Dan Lanning-and now, it might just be ready to sit atop the college football mountain. That’s the message from FOX analyst and Big Noon Kickoff staple Joel Klatt, who named the Ducks his preseason No. 1 team in his early rankings for the 2026 season.
This isn’t about hype or headlines. For Klatt, it’s about a trajectory that’s impossible to ignore.
“Oregon is going to be the number one team in the country, in my way-too-early top 10 for next season,” Klatt said on his podcast. And when you look at the Ducks’ year-by-year progression under Lanning, it’s hard to argue.
Let’s walk through it:
- Year one: 10 wins. A solid foundation.
- Year two: 12 wins and a trip to the Pac-12 Championship.
- Year three: 13 wins, a Big Ten title, the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff.
- Year four: Another 13-win season, two playoff victories, and a spot in the CFP semifinal.
“Don’t you see it here?” Klatt asked. “One step further every single year.”
That kind of consistent upward momentum is rare in college football, and it’s why Klatt believes Oregon is ready to take that final leap in 2026. The Ducks aren’t just talented-they’re experienced, battle-tested, and built the right way, especially in the trenches.
According to Klatt, this will be “the most veteran, most talented, and more specifically, best defensive line” Lanning has had since arriving in Eugene. That’s no small statement. Oregon’s front has quietly developed into one of the nation’s elite units, and it’s a big reason why the Ducks have gone from a promising program to a legitimate powerhouse.
In today’s playoff landscape, where games are often won or lost at the line of scrimmage, having a dominant defensive front is the great equalizer. Oregon has that-and then some.
But Klatt didn’t stop there. He also highlighted one of the most important developments for the Ducks heading into 2026: stability at quarterback.
“They’re going to have better quarterback play because of the veteran presence of Dante Moore,” Klatt said. “Him coming back makes them the number one team in the country.”
Moore’s return is a game-changer. Instead of breaking in a new signal-caller or leaning on potential, Oregon enters the season with a proven leader under center. That kind of continuity is gold in college football, especially when paired with a roster full of returning talent and a coaching staff that knows how to win.
Put it all together, and you’ve got a team that checks every major box:
- Elite defensive line play? Check.
- Veteran quarterback leadership? Check.
- Recruiting momentum and depth across the board? Check.
- A culture that’s been built to win-and has proven it can? Check.
For Oregon fans, this moment has been building for years. Since the day Dan Lanning took over, the Ducks have been methodically stacking wins, developing talent, and turning potential into production. Now, with a loaded roster and the scars from deep playoff runs, they’re not just in the conversation-they might be leading it.
The Ducks aren’t chasing greatness anymore. They’re ready to own it.