You mix coming off a stellar season with several key players returning, and the latest predictions make sense.
Last year was simply fantastic for the Oregon Ducks football team as they finished 8-1 in the Big Ten and 13-2 overall. Their only loss in the regular season came against Indiana, and the Hoosiers were able to repeat that result in the National Championship.
Although the season ended one step short of the ultimate goal, there was a lot to be happy with and even more in the weeks following. It was announced on Jan 14th that QB Dante Moore would be forgoing the NFL Draft and returning to Oregon in the quest for a national championship.
Predictions have been coming out as of late, and here are some reasons why most people believe Oregon has the potential to run through the Big Ten en route to a National Title.
Talent Returning
Oregon quarterback Dante Moore walks the field after the Ducks’ loss as the Oregon Ducks face the Indiana Hoosiers in the Peach Bowl on Jan. 9, 2026, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.Moore isn't the only one who came back chasing a trophy. Oregon is set to return its entire defensive line, including stars like A'Mauri Washington and Bear Alexander, who looked great last year but are projected to be elite this year.
The offense also has some returning weapons, like Evan Stewart and TE Jamari Johnson, whose role will be significantly increased with the absence of Kenyon Sadiq.
Having many of the same players back, hungry to make it one step further, will be key.
The Big Ten Won't be the Same
As previously mentioned, the Indiana Hoosiers were the culprits behind both of the Ducks' losses last year, and that may not be a problem the Ducks have to face this season.
Indiana was not just one of the oldest teams in the country last year, but it felt like they were one of the oldest teams ever.
Fernando Mendoza's leaving is a gut punch to the program, obviously, but even outside of him and the draft, the Hoosiers are losing 10 starters from last season just due to loss of eligibility.
Ohio State is set to be solid as usual, but I just don't believe they'll be in the same class as Oregon next season. Past those two programs, there really aren't any schools in the realm of challenging the Ducks.
These factors have many predicting the Ducks to win the conference.
Loading Up in Recruiting
Dan Lanning and the Oregon Ducks have been putting on clinics in the past few recruiting classes. With back-to-back consensus top-five ranked classes in '25 and '26, the Ducks will have massive talent waiting in the wings.
You never want to count your ducklings before they hatch, but Oregon falling short of a repeat trip to the National Championship would be a shock to many.
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