Autzen Stadium is about to come alive again.
Oregon’s annual Spring Game is locked in for Saturday, April 25, and this year’s edition is more than just a spring scrimmage-it’s a glimpse into what could be a championship-caliber season. With the Ducks sitting comfortably inside the top five of just about every preseason poll, the buzz around Eugene isn’t just hopeful-it’s electric.
A Spring Showcase with Championship Implications
This isn’t your average spring game. Yes, it’s still a celebration-honoring the troops, supporting Food for Lane County with two truckloads of donations, and drawing a crowd that typically hovers around 40,000.
But this year, there’s a different kind of energy. Oregon isn’t just trying to build momentum-they’re looking to finish what they started.
With a roster stacked with returning stars and the highest-rated recruiting class in school history, the Ducks are making it clear: they’re not just contenders, they’re coming for the crown.
Admission is free, and fans are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items for a drive sponsored by Pacific Source Health Plans. Kickoff is set for 1 PM, and if history is any indication, Autzen will be rocking.
Meet the Freshmen: Oregon’s Future Is Now
Let’s talk about the newcomers-because this class is loaded. Headlining the group is 6-foot-6, 345-pound five-star offensive tackle Immanuel “Manny” Iheanacho, a mountain of a man with the footwork to match.
He’s joined up front by another massive addition, 6-foot-6, 340-pound Tommy Tofi. Together, they could anchor Oregon’s offensive line for years to come.
On defense, 6-foot-5 safety Jett Washington brings size and range to the secondary, while 6-foot-4, 215-pound linebacker Tristan Phillips adds versatility and sideline-to-sideline speed. Offensively, Oregon adds a pair of dynamic weapons in five-star Texas wideout Jalen Lott and all-purpose back Tradarian Ball-both capable of taking it to the house any time they touch the ball.
And then there’s Kendre Harrison. The 6-foot-7, 243-pound tight end from Reidsville, North Carolina, is already turning heads. He dunks, he blocks, he catches everything-and he’ll be wearing No. 18, taking over from Kenyon Sadiq, who’s off to the NFL Combine.
The Core Returns: Running It Back for a Title
While the freshmen bring promise, the returning veterans bring purpose. Quarterback Dante Moore is back to lead the offense, flanked by center Iapani Laloulu and guard Dave Iuli in the trenches. Wide receiver Evan Stewart returns as a top target, while the defense brings back its muscle with edge rushers Matayo Uiagalelei and Teitum Tuioti, and interior anchors Bear Alexander and A’Mauri Washington.
This group could’ve scattered to the NFL and cashed in on rookie contracts. Instead, they chose to run it back-betting on NIL deals and the opportunity to chase Oregon’s first national title. That kind of decision says a lot about the culture Dan Lanning has built in Eugene.
QB Battle Brewing in Eugene
One of the most intriguing storylines heading into the spring is the quarterback rotation. Moore enters as the returning starter, but all eyes will be on Dylan Raiola, the high-profile transfer from Nebraska.
Raiola stepped away from the Cornhuskers in December, underwent surgery for a broken fibula in November, and now looks to reboot his career in Eugene. The recovery window for that kind of injury typically runs 8-12 weeks, so whether he’s fully cleared for live reps by April remains to be seen.
Either way, the Spring Game could offer a fascinating first look at how he fits into Mehringer’s offense.
And don’t sleep on redshirt freshman Akili Smith Jr., who’s stepping into the spotlight with a familiar number on his back-No. 11, just like his father. If Lanning and Mehringer want to turn up the drama, they could clear the scoreboard at halftime and let Smith and fellow young gun Brock Thomas take over. The stats will be watched closely, no matter how it’s structured.
New Faces, New Firepower
The Ducks have also been active in the portal. Slot receiver Iverson Hooks arrives from UAB after a 72-catch, 927-yard, seven-touchdown campaign.
He’s shifty, reliable, and should be an immediate contributor. On the other side of the ball, safety Koi Perich joins from Minnesota, bringing with him 128 tackles and six interceptions over two seasons.
He’s a playmaker with a nose for the football.
Defensively, fans will get their first look at Chris Hampton’s scheme. It’s still rooted in the Mint front and familiar terminology, but expect more aggression.
The mantra? “All gas, no brakes.”
With Uiagalelei, Tuioti, Alexander, and Washington leading the charge, this unit is built to attack.
A Celebration, But Also a Statement
Spring games aren’t about final answers-they’re about first impressions. And for Oregon, this one is setting the stage for what could be a historic season. It’s a chance for fans to reconnect with their team, to welcome the new faces, and to get a taste of what’s coming.
Because at Autzen Stadium, it never rains. And this spring, the Ducks are bringing the thunder.