Oregon trusted its offensive line talent instead of the transfer portal, betting on internal development for championship hopes.
Oregon's offensive line was one of the key reasons Dante Moore needed to return in 2026.
The Ducks front five struggled to protect Moore during the two losses to Indiana and win over Texas Tech.
In the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Peach Bowl, Moore made poor decisions with the football when facing pressure, forcing turnovers that allowed the Hoosiers to run away with a 56-22 win.
Moore will need to learn to get the ball out of his hands quicker and not panic when facing a pass rush.
While Moore is working on his quarterback skills, the Ducks need their offensive line to improve if they want to compete for a national championship.
The Ducks lost three offensive linemen this offseason, with a couple going high in the 2026 NFL Draft.
During his show this week, Josh Pate suggested Oregon could have added elite talent on the offensive line in the transfer portal, but chose not to because they believe in the talent already on the roster.
“They did not go to the portal on offensive line," Pate said. "Notice that. It's something we pointed out going in the spring and something I feel needs to be restated coming out of spring. They're replacing three of five on the offensive line.
"And if Oregon wanted to, Oregon could have gone to the portal to backfill there. They didn't. Why is that? It's not because they're broke. It's because, obviously, they trust their pieces internally. Now, that's no guarantee that they're right, but it is a guarantee that's how they feel.”
Lanning made a clear gamble that his coaching staff, and new offensive coordinator Drew Mehringer, can develop the offensive line to become an elite unit. Frankly, that could be a concern for Oregon until the team proves otherwise.
The Ducks are loaded everywhere else on the roster. The receiver corps and backfield should be one of the deepest in the country. The defense should be improved from a season ago.
However, Oregon will be tested in the CFP by good defensive lines. The offensive line must improve if the Ducks hope to compete for a championship this season.