Oregon: A Championship Roster a Year Ahead of Schedule
I have the Oregon Ducks at No. 9 in my preseason Top 25. This program is overflowing with more blue-chip talent than anyone in the country, but they are young. After a historic, undefeated run to the Big Ten championship in their debut season, the Ducks were hit hard by roster turnover, losing nine starters on both offense and defense. Head coach Dan Lanning responded by signing a top 5 high school recruiting class and top 5 transfer class, assembling a roster built for a dynasty. While they may not be a national championship favorite this season, their immense talent makes them a legitimate playoff contender this year as an at-large team.
2024: A Flawless Run and a Playoff Reality Check
Oregon’s first season in the Big Ten was the stuff of legends. They did what no team had done in over a century: beat Ohio State, Michigan, and Penn State in the same season. They finished with a perfect 13-0 record, capped by a shootout victory over Penn State to win the conference title.
The dream season came to a screeching halt in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals. In a rematch with Ohio State, the Ducks were overwhelmed, falling behind 34-0 in a humbling defeat. The loss was a stark reminder that there is another level to reach, and it provided the fuel for an aggressive offseason of reloading.
Offense: New Stars Take the Stage
Offensive coordinator Will Stein faces the monumental task of replacing a Heisman finalist quarterback, a 1,000-yard running back duo, and a record-setting receiver. But in Eugene, they don’t rebuild; they reload with five-star talent. The keys to the offense are now in the hands of former five-star quarterback Dante Moore, who spent last season as an understudy and is ready to lead.
The running back room will feature a new star in two-time All-AAC first-teamer Makhi Hughes, who joins from Tulane. He will be joined by a “thunder-lightning” pair of Top-100 freshman recruits. The receiver corps is arguably the most talented in the nation, featuring former five-star Evan Stewart and true freshman phenom Dakorien Moore, who is expected to be a day-one superstar. The offensive line lost four starters from its Joe Moore Award finalist unit but has been rebuilt with elite transfers like the No. 1 overall transfer Isaiah World (Nevada) and Emmanuel Pregnon (USC).
Defense: An Unprecedented Infusion of Talent
Much like the offense, the defense was hit hard by departures, losing an All-American and three top-100 draft picks from the defensive line alone. Yet, this unit may be even more talented than last year’s group. The line remains a strength, led by rising star Matayo Uiagalelei and an absurd five Top-200 prospects in the two-deep.
The secondary is where the talent infusion is most apparent. Despite losing all five starters, the group is overflowing with firepower. Lanning has signed five of the nation’s top 20 corner recruits over the past two cycles. The unit will be anchored by two All-Big Ten transfers: safety Dillon Thieneman (Purdue), the 2023 National True Freshman of the Year, and corner Theran Johnson (Northwestern).
The Schedule and the Path
This is a young team, and navigating the Big Ten will be a challenge. While they may not repeat their perfect 13-0 run, their sheer talent gives them one of the highest ceilings in the country. They are built to withstand the grind and will be favored in most of their games. Their schedule is tough, but it provides them with the opportunity to build a strong resume for an at-large playoff bid.
Why I’m So Confident
Here’s why Oregon is a lock for the Top 10 and a dangerous playoff team:
- The top 5 high school and transfer portal classes in the nation.
- An offense led by a former five-star quarterback and a five-star receiver.
- A defense reloaded with All-Conference transfers and elite young talent.
- A proven program-builder in Dan Lanning.
- Unmatched roster depth, with future pros at every position.
This program is built for a dynasty. While this might not be their year to win it all, the 2025 team is too talented to ignore. At No. 9 in my preseason rankings, Oregon has the firepower to make another deep run in the College Football Playoff.
