Despite Dante Moore’s return and a loaded roster, skepticism looms over Dan Lanning’s ability to finally shatter Oregon's glass ceiling following consecutive blowout losses to Big Ten titans.
The Oregon Ducks have plenty of hype surrounding the program after making it to the College Football Playoff Semifinal in January.
After being humbled by Indiana 56-22 in the Peach Bowl, the Ducks have work to do to prepare the team for a long run in the CFP. It was the second straight postseason Oregon lost to a Big Ten program in a blowout.
Both Indiana and Ohio State (2024) went on to win the national title, so the losses weren't so bad in retrospect. With that being said, the Ducks want to finish the deal this season.
With quarterback Dante Moore returning, Oregon should be a threat to win the national championship. He'll have Evan Stewart and Dakorien Moore to target.
However, the team lost plenty of talent to the draft, and the offensive line, which was an issue last season, is replacing three starters.
Cody Nagel of CBS Sports thinks it's an "overreaction" to name the Ducks a favorite to win the title in 2026. Still, Nagel notes there are reasons for Oregon fans to be excited about the upcoming season.
"No program has knocked on the door more consistently without breaking through. Dan Lanning is 48-8 in four seasons and reached the CFP in back-to-back years, losing to the eventual national champion both times," he wrote.
"Now, Dante Moore is back after turning down a projected first-round pick, the defense returns eight starters (tied for most in the FBS) and the roster is arguably as complete as any Lanning has had in Eugene. The window doesn't open any further."
Frankly, the Ducks need to make the national championship game this season, or questions should be asked about head coach Dan Lanning's ability to coach in the CFP.
Oregon had young talent the past two seasons, but this should be his best and most experienced team.
Ohio State and Indiana will be good again this year, but the Ducks should have the better quarterback, offensive weapons, and a more than competent defense to win those games.
For the Ducks to win the CFP, Lanning and his coordinators will need to elevate their coaching to bring the first national championship to Eugene.