Oregon’s offensive line is still taking shape, but the Ducks don’t sound rattled by it.
Back in early August, coach Dan Lanning said the group would likely operate with a rotation of six to eight players, and that idea has only gained traction as Oregon heads toward 2026 with plenty of moving parts up front. Senior center Iapani "Poncho" Laloulu is the most established piece, while the rest of the unit includes unproven players who needed the 2025 season to keep developing, along with freshmen such as Immanuel Iheanacho and Tommy Tofi.
For sophomore running back Dierre Hill Jr., the bigger task is making sure he understands his own assignment inside Oregon’s scheme. The line may keep changing, but Hill said the Ducks’ coaching setup helps keep the ground game organized.
“Nah, it's really, see that's the thing about us here. We have great coaches that, obviously, we got a lot of guys moving in and out with the O-line, but coach Terry leads the O-line, the O-line law firm. He leads them very well, and our coach [Ra'Shaad Samples] makes sure we knows our tracks and knows what gap to hit on certain runs," Hill said.
Hill added that the key is staying locked into the process.
“So that helps us. I mean, it's really not hard because whenever you focus on your preparation and or if you focus on the process, and the results will take care of itself. So just making sure I know my tracks and know where the run's supposed to hit, and if it doesn't, then I know there's something wrong with the O-line," Hill added.
He also pointed to the way Samples and offensive line coach A'lique Terry work together as a major help for the backs and everyone else trying to fit the pieces together once the game starts. After two fall scrimmages, the coaches appear pleased with the combinations they’ve used up front.
That depth gives Oregon options, and it could mean several different personnel groups against Boise State. The trench mix includes veteran interior lineman Dave Iuli and 2025 relief lineman Fox Crader, who is looking for a bigger role in 2026.
Lanning said the Ducks have earned the right to keep mixing and matching.
“If you look at every position on our team throughout the years, you've seen changes throughout the season. Do we have some guys we feel comfortable going into the game with?
Yes," Lanning said. "Are there still guys playing above the line ball at multiple spots?
Yes. So, will you see one group?
No. I think you'll probably see some different guys in the lineup throughout, and that’s because they’ve earned that and they’ve worked through that."
Even with the opener framed as a chance to evaluate a roster built for one of the nation’s top-ranked teams, Boise State still offers a real test. The Broncos bring veteran edge rushers who can pressure Oregon’s line right away.
Lanning acknowledged that simply practicing with one or two rotations in fall camp hasn’t always translated into clean results on game day. Now, with Boise State first on the schedule, he and Terry will keep sorting through which combinations rise to the top.
"That’ll be the same with every position on our team. We have some guys who are prepped and ready, and we feel like we’re going to put them in the best position to be successful," Lanning said.
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