I know I have written a title like you see above every fall for the last couple of years, but this year it is much more real, with a much more daunting future than I could have imagined. Let’s look at the roster, and see if the Ducks actually have a “young” team. After I glanced over ChileDuck’s Oregon football roster, I had to pause my gaming fun at Lucky Gambler to study the lineup to see what Oregon’s future holds.
It was scarier than I thought.
While we do not know the starters yet, and that impacts this discussion since those who start at the beginning of a season may not be the primary player at that position by the end of a season. When in doubt, I will go with experienced portal transfers over the rumors of an underclassman grabbing the starter spot. Let’s start with the defense…
Defensive Starters to Replace in 2026
As I peruse the defensive backs, (Five of them in Lanning’s MINT defense) I see transfers starting in Dillon Thieneman (Jr.) from Purdue at one safety, Theran Johnson (Sr.) from Northwestern at one corner, and Jadon Canady (Sr.) from Ole Miss at Star. The other starters I project are Jahlil Florence (Jr.) at the other corner, and Kingston Lopa (R-Fr.) at the other safety. I see three who will not be in college next year due to eligibility or their high NFL ranking.
At linebacker, we will lose Bryce Boettcher to the NFL after this year, as he is a senior at the MAC LB position. But I do not see Devon Jackson yet making that big jump as a junior. He will burst on the scene with his extraordinary speed with his new 230 pound body, and he is tailor-made for the NFL, yet he will need more than one year to make the jump, IMHO.
Matayo Uiagalelei had a massive games in 2024, including blocking this pass. (Photo by Isaac Wasserman)
The defensive line are entirely consisting of juniors that I believe will have stellar years–and move to the next level in Matayo Uiagalelei, A’Mauri Washington, Bear Alexander, and Teitum Tuioti. While one may stay, I think that if a decent draft position is in the offing–they will all leave because I am truly believing that three years is enough at the college level when coupled with the year I believe all four will have.
So my projection is losing eight starters off the defense going into 2026, the replacements are very, very inexperienced. Add a much tougher schedule next year to the mix, and whew!
Offensive Starters to Replace in 2026
Will Dante Moore (3rd year R-Soph.) have a big enough year to be a high draft choice? I am betting on yes, and I believe we will see Makhi Hughes (Jr.) at running back depart Eugene as well. I see two losses at receiver and the tight end group as Gary Bryant, (Sr.) and Kenyon Sadiq (Jr.) will be moving on from Oregon.
It gets very ugly for 2026 when we look at the offensive line, as I believe that Poncho Laloulu (Jr. center) will have a great year and play on Sundays in 2026, as will seniors Matthew Bedford, (Guard) Emmanuel Pregnon, (Guard) Alex Harkey (Tackle) and Isiah World (Tackle) due to eligibility and next-level opportunities. This position group has the least amount of depth and experience, and thus I’ll be taking a lot of gulps and short breaths as I watch the OL newbies block a year from now.
My Duck-Buddies…I see eight starters lost at the end of 2025 on offense, with a total of 16 starters lost? The entire trenches gutted next year? I know we do well in the portal, but there is no possible way that even Dan Lanning can replace that.
Kenyon Sadiq is a beast who is headed for a great 2025. (Photo by Zach Bolinger)
Yep, it will be time for all the prior extraordinary recruiting by this staff to begin to flex next year, but the reality is that there is no replacement for experience, and this team will lose a ton of it going into 2026.
Now that is the bad news, but the good news? This 2025 team is much more experienced than most of us thought, and when you consider the 2025 schedule in front of the Ducks? Some great things could happen, and I believe they will.
Thus why I suggest you forget about next year, and savor this fine one in front of us. Want to discuss? Do so right here because…
“Oh, how we love to ponder about Our Beloved Ducks!“
Charles Fischer (Mr. FishDuck)
Eugene, Oregon
Top Photo by Eric Becker
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Charles Fischer has been an intense fan of the Ducks, a season ticket holder at Autzen Stadium for 38 years and has written reports on football boards for over 26 years. Known as “FishDuck” on those boards, he is acknowledged for providing intense detail in his scrimmage reports, and in his Xs and Os play analyses. He is single, has a daughter Christine, and resides in Eugene Oregon where he was a Financial Advisor for 36 years.
He now focuses full-time on Charitable Planned Giving Workshops for churches and non-profit organizations in addition to managing his two Oregon Football Websites, of FishDuck.com and the Our Beloved Ducks forum. He is a busy man!
He does not profess to be a coach or analyst, but simply a “hack” that enjoys sharing what he has learned and invites others to correct or add to this body of Oregon Football! See More…