Summer work is giving Oregon a better look at the one area that still needs answers.
Dan Lanning and the Ducks are deep into offseason practices, trying to put the final pieces in place before a season that comes with national championship expectations. But even with that kind of buzz, Oregon still has a major question hanging over the roster: how the offensive line will be rebuilt after Emmanuel Pregnon, Isaiah World, and Alex Harkey moved on to the NFL.
The Ducks brought in just one transfer for that room and have leaned instead on the players the staff has recruited and developed over time. That means the battle to protect Dante Moore is still very much alive, and the search for the starting five has continued into the summer. Spring gave Oregon a few possible answers, and now two freshmen are forcing their way into the conversation.
Tommy Tofi and Immanuel Iheanacho are both drawing strong praise from offensive line coach A'lique Terry, who said the pair has handled the workload with maturity and urgency.
"Speaking to Manny and Tommy, they’ve come out hitting the ground running. They’re both, like I said earlier in spring, they’re both physically gifted.
Manny’s obviously behind a little bit just because he didn’t get here until later, but you can see the physical specimen they are. They love the game.
They’re constantly with each other. They’re constantly trying to get more, constantly getting with Coach (Ryan) Walk and the law firm and making sure they get some extra meetings and getting that kind of stuff in now because they know their role could end up being much larger later on down the year.
Depending on as much as they put in, it could happen maybe earlier in the year. Who knows?
But they’ve done a tremendous job with the amount we’ve thrown at them on purpose, and they’ve done a good job absorbing it, taking it on, asking the whole law firm for questions, and not being afraid to ask questions. I think young guys tend to be afraid to ask questions at times.
They’re not in that stage right now."
A'lique Terry
Tofi’s case is the more straightforward one. He was already around the program during spring practices, which gave him a head start on learning the system and building trust with the staff. That opens the door for him to compete at either guard spot, and he could also enter the mix at right tackle if Oregon decides he’s ready for that kind of assignment.
Iheanacho brings a different kind of intrigue. The top-10 recruit has the physical profile Oregon wants, and the staff clearly believes in his upside.
If he can match those traits with a solid grasp of the scheme, he could turn the right tackle spot into a real fight. Transfer Michael Bennett III is also stepping up in competition level, and that only makes the opening more realistic for a player like Iheanacho, someone the Ducks invested heavily in and want to see push for playing time.
Even if both freshmen stop short of cracking the starting five, their progress still matters. Oregon needs depth up front, and having Tofi and Iheanacho ready to step in if injuries hit could end up being just as important as winning a job outright. For a team with championship ambitions, that kind of backup matters.
In Other News...
Oregon Back Da'Jaun Riggs Is Fighting For A Different 2026 Role
DaJaun Riggs spent the 2025 season on the field in a limited but meaningful way, getting into five games before injuries cut short his year. Now the redshirt sophomore running back is back in the mix as Oregon opens another fall camp, competing for a larger 2026 role alongside Jordon Davison and Dierre Hill Jr. For a back trying to climb the depth chart, this stage matters just as much as the games did last fall.
Riggs has talked through his recovery and the mindset that comes with trying to reset after a frustrating finish to a season. The bigger challenge now is turning that process into production, and that means sharpening the parts of his game that coaches value when the competition tightens. In a room with other talented options, he is working to make sure his camp stands out for more than just health. [Read more 🡒]
Oregon Faces Two Early Camp Storylines Fans Cant Ignore
Fall camp has already surfaced a couple of storylines Oregon fans will want to keep an eye on, and one of them starts in the running backs room. Ra'Shaad Samples spoke to the media about the progress of his backs, with particular attention on freshmen Jordon Davison and Dierre Hill Jr., two players who are showing the kind of versatility and growth that can help them push for early roles as the season takes shape.
Samples also addressed his April DUII arrest and said he has taken full accountability and completed the required accountabilities, a conversation that adds another layer to his first camp in Eugene. Elsewhere, linebacker Dylan Williams said he feels confident heading into the season and pointed to his physical preparation, giving Oregon another defender who believes he is ready for the demands of the year ahead. [Read more 🡒]
Oregons Offensive Line Push Just Added Another Big Recruiting Moment
Oregons offensive line push is already looking well ahead, and one of the newest names on the board has locked in a visit date. Four-star tackle Cannon Zubeck, a member of the 2028 class, plans to be in Eugene for Oregons 2026 game against Michigan, giving Dan Lannings staff another chance to showcase how the Ducks sell development, opportunity and big-stage football to elite linemen.
It fits the way Oregon has been building its future up front. The Ducks are pressing ahead in the 2028 cycle while still keeping their commitments in the 2027 class moving in the right direction, and the offensive line remains a clear priority. With some 2026 recruits also standing to have a real path to early playing time, Oregon has a pitch that goes beyond just landing talent - it can point to a depth chart that may not stay crowded for long. [Read more 🡒]