2026 Oregon Football Preview
Jake Wimberly
Abby Boyd Contributing-
What’s to like:
Oregon returns Dante Moore at quarterback, giving the Ducks experience at one of the most important positions on the field. Moore showed plenty of potential, and another offseason in the system should help him become more comfortable leading the offense. Having an experienced quarterback gives Oregon a solid starting point heading into the season.
The Ducks also continue to have talent at the skill positions. Whether it's the running backs, receivers, or tight ends, Oregon has enough playmakers to create problems for opposing defenses. Those players should allow the offense to remain productive, even as new contributors step into larger roles.
What’s not to like:
Oregon once again has to replace several important contributors from last season. Roster turnover has become common for successful programs, but replacing experienced players while maintaining the same level of production is never easy. Developing chemistry early in the year will be important.
The offensive line is another area to watch. At times last season, the unit struggled with consistency, particularly against some of the better defensive fronts on the schedule. If Oregon wants to compete for another conference championship, the offensive line will need to become more dependable throughout the season.
What does the Hourglass say?
Oregon- Big Ten (11-1)
Power ranking 132.38.
2026 Oregon Analytics
National recruiting rating (three year metric): #3- inside the boundary of a National Championship Roster.
National Coaching Ranking:
Dan Lanning- 5th in Power 5 and 3rd in the Big Ten.
2026 coaching value= 37.5 (average 2026 Power 5 coaching value=21.93) Dan Lanning is ranked higher of the pack for coaches in the Power 5.
Quarterback Play: Dante Moore- ranked 2nd in the Power 4, 2nd in the Big Ten; 2026 QB value= 49.3 (Power 4 average- 26.43).
Impact Ball Catcher Metric: Oregon has an Impact Ball Catcher Metric of 4. This puts the Ducks at the upper tier for the Big Ten in this metric.
Final Thoughts:
Oregon enters 2026 with expectations of competing near the top of the Big Ten once again. Dante Moore returns to lead an offense that still has plenty of talent around him, but replacing key contributors and improving the offensive line will be important throughout the year. If those pieces come together, the Ducks should once again be in the conference championship conversation.
2026 Schedule analysis:
Projected Hourglass W/L record: Games in red denote games that could be a one possession game or even a different outcome than projection.
9/5/26 Boise State- Win
9/12/26 At Oklahoma State- Win
9/18/26 Portland State- Win
9/26/26 At USC- Win
10/10/26 UCLA- Win
10/17/26 Nebraska- Win
10/24/26 At Illinois- Win
10/31/26 Northwestern- Win
11/7/26 At Ohio State- Loss
11/14/26 Michigan- Win
11/20/26 At Michigan State- Win
11/28/26 Washington- Win
