The Oregon Ducks made it the College Football Playoff semifinal in 2025. They're predicted to be even better in 2026, per Yahoo Sports.
The Oregon Ducks are slowly making their way to the top of college football under head coach Dan Lanning.
In 2024, Oregon won the Big Ten championship before losing 41-21 to Ohio State in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl. In 2025, the Ducks won two CFP games before losing 56-22 to Indiana in the CFP semifinal in the Peach Bowl.
Both Ohio State and Indiana won the CFP national championship in those respective seasons.
However, the Ducks aren't satisfied with their recent runs. Oregon wants to win its first-ever national championship.
Nick Bromberg of Yahoo Sports released his "way-too-early Top 25" for 2026. Bromberg ranks the Ducks No. 1, believing they have the talent to bring a national championship to Eugene.
"The return of Dante Moore for the 2026 season isn’t the only reason the Ducks are in this spot," Bromberg wrote. "Yes, Oregon loses TE Kenyon Sadiq, S Dillon Thieneman and LB Bryce Boettcher, but Matayo Uiagalelei is back along the defensive line along with A’Mauri Washington and Bear Alexander.
"RB Jordon Davison should be better as a sophomore and Oregon added Minnesota S Koi Perich in the transfer portal too."
Moore, expected to be a first-round pick if he came out for the 2026 NFL Draft, threw for 3,565 yards, 30 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 2025.
If Moore can better handle pressure from defenses in big games, Oregon could be dangerous in the CFP next season.
Davidson had an impressive freshman campaign, rushing for 667 yards and 15 touchdowns. He added 12 receptions for 62 yards.
When he decided to return to Oregon for 2026, Moore said his goal was to win the CFP national championship.
"With that being said, of course, I'll be coming back to Oregon for one more year and being able to play for the Oregon Ducks," Moore said. "And, of course, reach our goal and be national champions."
Oregon has a mostly favorable Big Ten schedule in 2026. However, the Ducks will face challenges from Michigan (at home) and USC (on the road).
The measuring stick for the Ducks will come when they travel to Ohio State. That game could impact the Big Ten championship and seeding for the CFP.