The Oregon Ducks’ 2025–26 season was one to remember, right up until it wasn’t.
After cruising through most of the year as one of the nation’s most complete teams, Oregon’s season came to an abrupt and painful end in the College Football Playoff semifinals with a 56–22 loss to Indiana. It marked the Ducks’ second loss of the season, and notably, both came at the hands of the Hoosiers, who clearly had Oregon’s number in 2025.
Here are a few key areas where the Ducks could look to reload for a 2026 championship push.
Dante Moore’s NFL Status Creates Quarterback Uncertainty
The lopsided semifinal score exposed lingering roster gaps, reminding everyone that even elite teams aren’t finished products. Fortunately for Oregon and head coach Dan Lanning, the Ducks are uniquely positioned to address those needs. The transfer portal remains open, NIL resources are plentiful, and Oregon has become one of the premier destinations in college football.
The quarterback position hinges on one massive question: Will Dante Moore declare for the 2026 NFL Draft?
Moore still has two years of eligibility remaining, and returning to Eugene would allow him to continue developing while earning top-tier NIL money. However, he’s already viewed as a top-six overall prospect and sits as QB2 on the PFSN Consensus Big Board, trailing only Fernando Mendoza.
The timing is intriguing. The 2026 quarterback class looks underwhelming compared to what’s shaping up to be a loaded 2027 group. That could incentivize Moore to strike while the iron is hot and position himself as a headliner rather than waiting another year. Of course, whether he’s truly NFL-ready is a separate debate.
Oregon can’t afford to wait around for an answer.
If Moore does go pro, the Ducks will need a high-level Plan B, and the portal is loaded with intriguing names. Sam Leavitt, DJ Lagway, Husan Longstreet, and even Dylan Raiola remain available. Each could view Moore’s development arc as a proof of concept.
Moore’s growth speaks volumes: his PFSN’s CFB QB Impact Grade jumped from 70.6 at UCLA in 2023 to an elite 85.9 in 2025 under Lanning’s staff. If Moore leaves, Oregon will have no shortage of suitors eager to be next in line.
Koi Perich Headlines Oregon’s Defensive Reload
The Ducks could be facing a major hole on the back end of their defense with Dillon Thieneman potentially declaring for the NFL Draft. Even if he returns for his final year of eligibility, Oregon’s safety room remains young and largely unproven.
That’s a concern for a defense that was otherwise elite in 2025.
Oregon allowed just 155.1 passing yards per game, second-best in the nation, and surrendered only 14 passing touchdowns all season. The unit finished with an 86.5 PFSN’s CFB Defensive Impact Grade, ranking 11th nationally. Maintaining that level of play will be crucial if the Ducks want to return to the playoff stage.
Enter Koi Perich, the Minnesota safety who might be the most versatile playmaker in the entire transfer portal.
Perich was dubbed “Travis Hunter Lite” for good reason. In 2024, he recorded 5 interceptions, showcased elite coverage ability, contributed on offense, and returned kicks. He was everywhere, constantly around the football and capable of changing games in multiple phases.
Landing Perich would allow Oregon to replace star power with star power. The Ducks are reportedly in a tight battle with Texas Tech for his services, and this is a recruitment Lanning should push all-in.
Wide Receiver Depth a Concern After Injury-Plagued 2025
Wide receiver isn’t Oregon’s most glaring need, but 2025 proved that depth matters.
Injuries to starters Malik Benson and Dakorien Moore forced Dante Moore to operate without consistent weapons at times, making life harder for the quarterback than it needed to be. Moore handled adversity admirably, but there’s no reason to flirt with that scenario again in 2026.
Oregon should consider adding at least one reliable portal receiver. Three names stand out: Cam Coleman, DeAndre Moore, and Nico Brown. Coleman headlines the group as a former five-star prospect from Auburn who remains more potential than production after two seasons.
His PFSN’s CFB WR Impact Grade of 75.2 doesn’t fully capture his upside, largely due to Auburn’s inconsistent quarterback play. In Oregon’s system, Coleman could finally break out and form a devastating one-two punch alongside Dakorien Moore.
DeAndre offers a more proven option who could immediately contribute, whether as a rotational piece or a starter if injuries arise again. Meanwhile, Yale transfer Nico Brown is a sneaky but intriguing target after posting 71 receptions for 1,085 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2025.
That level of production translates regardless of competition, and with elite coaching and surrounding talent, Brown could emerge as a legitimate contributor on a national title contender.
