Ducks Short On “Household Names”

It is mid-July, and as I soak in the sun poolside with a cool drink in my hand, I am experiencing the annual conundrum of feeling excited about the beginning of a new football season, while simultaneously not wanting it to arrive too fast, as it signifies the start of the end of summer.

I know — first world problems.

For those of you who have read my posts over the years, you know that I am a big-picture guy who likes to bring some perspective to the table. I do not bury myself into the minutia of depth charts, breaking down plays, and knowing who everybody on the Oregon staff is, all the way down to the third-string ball-boy.

Great for those who do, as their knowledge plays an important role to inform readers (I’m actually kind of jealous of them), but my mind would hit information overload and cause a panic attack. Our Mr. FishDuck took a break from his gaming fun at melbet somalia, and MelBet Instagram Somalia to jest with me about that, and how we enjoy the different styles of writers at FishDuck.com.

So, I am going with how I “feel” here today. The Ducks, per usual nowadays, are loaded with talent. But, in contrast to last summer, the Ducks do not have near the same level of proven commodities. Last season, the Ducks had sure players including Dillon Gabriel, Terrance Ferguson, Derrick Harmon, Josh Conerly Jr., Jordan Burch, Jordan James, Jeffrey Bassa, and Tez Johnson.

No. 10 is looking to be a Top 10 draft pick. (photo credit Craig Strobeck)

The 2024 Ducks had a pretty high floor coming into the season; the question was how high of ceiling. They blew out the ceiling by going 13-0, and then subsequently patched the ceiling back together with duct tape after getting dismantled by Ohio State in the playoff.

The 2025 Ducks do not have as many “household names” within Oregon circles, and one of them, top wide receiver Evan Stewart, already suffered a season-ending knee injury. Quarterback Dante Moore, tight end Kenyon Sadiq, and true freshman receiving sensation Dakorien Moore are all “household names,” but it is based on potential rather than proven success.

The biggest proven stud on the team is defensive end Matayo Uiagalelei, who is gunning to become a Top 10 pick in next year’s NFL Draft. He is joined by fellow defensive players in linebacker Bryce Boettcher and cornerback Jahlil Florence.

Going into the 2025 season, the Ducks have a lot of talent that still has to prove itself. Especially at the most important position. The bad news is that the expectations are lower heading into this season. The good news is that all of that talent could pan out, and the Ducks could win a second straight B1G title.

And, if they do, then it is all gravy from there as the Ducks surely cannot do any worse in the 2026 College Football Playoff.

Darren Perkins
Spokane, WA
Top photo credit: Isaac Wasserman

Natalie Liebhaber, the FishDuck.com Volunteer Editor for this article, works in technology in SLC, Utah

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Darren Perkins

Darren Perkins is a sales professional and 1997 Oregon graduate. After finishing school, he escaped the rain and moved to sunny Southern California where he studied screenwriting for two years at UCLA. Darren grew up in Eugene and in 1980, at the tender age of five, he attended his first Oregon football game. His lasting memory from that experience was an enthusiastic Don Essig announcing to the crowd: “Reggie Ogburn, completes a pass to… Reggie Ogburn.” Captivated by such a thrilling play, Darren’s been hooked on Oregon football ever since. Currently living in Spokane, Darren enjoys flaunting his yellow and green superiority complex over friends and family in Cougar country.