By convincing star quarterback Dante Moore and a powerhouse defensive core to forgo the NFL, Oregon Ducks HC Dan Lanning has fortified a top-five roster primed for a national championship run.
The Oregon Ducks will soon begin training camp, a crucial month for the program before it chases a national title.
After two blowout losses in the College Football Playoff in 2024 and 2025, the Ducks are expected to be in a better position for the upcoming season. Oregon has a top 5 roster, and veteran experience has head coach Dan Lanning excited for this fall.
Steve Lassan of Athlon Sports named Oregon as one of 15 winners in college football for the offseason. He thinks the Ducks won the offseason because of their ability to convince quarterback Dante Moore and several members of the defense to return for one more season rather than jump to the NFL.
"The Ducks’ place on this list was solidified when quarterback Dante Moore passed on the NFL Draft for another season in Eugene," Lassan wrote. "Moore is among the nation’s top signal-callers, and his return positions Oregon for a run at its first national championship.
"Moore’s return isn’t the only reason for optimism for coach Dan Lanning. A handful of key defenders — Matayo Uiagalelei, Bear Alexander, A’Mauri Washington, and Teitum Tuioti — also opted to return instead of an early departure to the NFL."
Lassan likes the addition of Minnesota transfer Koi Perich to replace Dillon Thieneman, who was a first-round pick in the 2026 draft.
While most of Oregon's offseason has been positive, the team had some big departures, most notably on the coaching staff.
"The only downside to the offseason? Lanning had to replace both coordinators after offensive play-caller Will Stein left to be the head coach at Kentucky, and defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi took over at California," Lassan wrote.
Given how the CFP ended for the Ducks in 2024 and 2025, shaking up the staff might be a positive thing. Lanning and the coaching staff need some fresh ideas for the postseason.
In addition to having a great offseason that will affect the fall, Lanning and Oregon have done a great job in recruiting for the 2027 class, making sure that there won't be a big drop-off in talent when Moore and the front seven leave for the NFL in 2027.
