Oregon Ducks projected depth chart after first week of fall camp
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Throughout the entire college football offseason, we spend time analyzing past footage and numbers, trying to use what we can to predict what's coming ahead of us. In Eugene, that means taking what we could from the 2025 season and figuring out what we could attribute toward what could be a very special 2026 season.
Now, with a week of fall camp practice behind us, we have a bit more data to use when trying to forecast what the coming season is going to look like for the Oregon Ducks.
While we haven't been able to watch practice, the last few days have given us an opportunity to talk to players and coaches, both at Oregon's media day and after practices throughout the week. These interviews have shed light on a few player availabilities, and some guys who are making waves early on in the season.
In all, it has given me a better understanding of where the depth chart is for the Ducks, and where it may be by the time the season rolls around on September 5. After spring football, we put out a projected depth chart, and now that we know a little bit more about where these individual players are, here's our updated look:
Quarterback
Projected Starter: Dante Moore
Other Names to Know: Dylan Raiola, Brock Thomas
Analysis: No question about who the starting QB is for the Ducks, but there is a bit of intrigue as to who the backup is at the moment. Dylan Raiola arguably has the talent and the name, but Brock Thomas has the experience in the system.
Running Back
Projected Starter: Jordon Davison OR Dierre Hill
Other Names to Know: Da'Jaun Riggs, Simeon Price, Tradarian Ball
Analysis: Jordon Davison and Dierre Hill are going to both get a ton of run with the starting unit, but my bet is that Davison likely has a bit more production as an every-down back. Dierre is going to have his role in the offense, which Dan Lanning says is expanding as he learns more. I'm very curious to see what Dink Riggs can do after coming off an injury, and what Simeon Price's role will be in this offense. I think we see them all play, but how much? That I can't yet tell.
Wide Receiver
Z Position
Projected Starter: Dakorien Moore
Other Names to Know: Jalen Lott, Messiah Hampton
Analysis: Dakorien Moore is a starter on the offense. Whether that's at X or Z, I'm not completely sure yet, but he has one of these three spots, for sure. I think that Jalen Lott is an intriguing name to watch, as he is among the most talented pass-catchers on the roster, but didn't arrive until this summer. Messiah Hampton is another young player who has created a lot of buzz this offseason as well, and could step into a Cooper Perry-type role this season.
X Position
Projected Starter: Jeremiah McClellan
Other Names to Know: Gatlin Bair
Analysis: Much like Moore, I think that Jeremiah McClellan has a starting job on this offense, but whether it's at the X or Z is unclear right now. The guy behind him I want to see most is Gatlin Bair, a true freshman who has a good amount of size and all the speed in the world.
A/Slot Position
Projected Starter: Evan Stewart
Other Names to Know: Iverson Hooks, Huson Lewis
Analysis: This may be one of the hardest positions to judge on the roster. Obviously, Evan Stewart is expected to start, but can we imagine someone with the skill set of Iverson Hooks not getting a ton of reps? Ultimately, I think Stewart starts, but I think Hooks will get on the field early and often, and I think Oregon ends up running 4-WR sets a bunch, whether that's in 10 personnel or 01 personnel.
Tight End
Projected Starter: Jamari Johnson
Other Names to Know: Kendre Harrison, Markus Dixon, Andrew Olesh
Analysis: Much like the QB position, I think the depth chart at TE is pretty clear. Jamari Johnson is your starter; the question is just about who is his backup. Right now, my money would be on freshman Kendre Harrison, but Andrew Olesh could give him a run. I also think that Markus Dixon is going to get a lot of snaps, but probably in heavier, 12-personnel looks where blocking is key.
Offensive Line
Left Tackle
Projected Starter: Fox Crader
Other Names to Know: Gernorris Wilson, Ziyarre Addison
Analysis: There are a LOT of questions and unknowns on the offensive line, but I think I feel the most confident — outside of center — in Fox Crader being the starting left tackle. He had one game of starting experience last year against USC and performed very well. I think this is his job, but guys like Gernorris Wilson and Ziyarre Addison will push him and compete for the backup spot.
Left Guard
Projected Starter: Douglas Utu
Other Names to Know: Kawika Rogers, Trent Ferguson
Analysis: I feel pretty good about Douglas Utu as the starting left guard, but I wouldn't at all be surprised to see someone different take over. There is that much depth and talent on the roster to present options. I think Kawika Rogers has a real chance to take over this spot, but my current money is on Utu.
Center
Projected Starter: Iapani Laloulu
Other Names to Know: Devin Brooks, Dave Iuli, Bryce Boulton
Analysis: Iapani Laloulu is the starter, undoubtedly. He's the leader of this offensive line, and arguably the most important player on the team. Behind him, the real question lies. Charlie Pickard is off and graduated, so Oregon will have a new backup center. I think that Devin Brooks is probably the guy, but there's a chance the Ducks decide to slide Dave Iuli over and move a new RG into place should they need to.
Right Guard
Projected Starter: Kawika Rogers
Other Names to Know: Dave Iuli, Tommy Tofi, Michael Bennett
Analysis: Going into camp I had an idea that Dave Iuli would be the starter, but after hearing from Dan Lanning that he still isn't back to full go after his triceps injury last year, I am putting Kawika Rogers in the starting spot, for now. If we hear later in camp that Iuli is fully cleared, then I will likely switch him back into the starting job, but for now, I'm going to say it's ROgers, with guys like Tommy Tofi and Michael Bennett pushing him.
Right Tackle
Projected Starter: Tommy Tofi
Other Names to Know: Michael Bennett, Immanuel Iheanacho, Ziyarre Addison, Gernorris Wilson
Analysis: After what we saw and heard this spring, I think it's the true freshman who takes over at RT. Tommy Tofi was one of the biggest talking points for the Ducks this offseason, and I think he grabs a starting spot on the line. I could also see Yale transfer Michael Bennett grabbing this spot as well.
Defensive Line
Nose Tackle
Projected Starter: Bear Alexander
Other Names to Know: Matthew Johnson, D'Antre Robinson
Analysis: The returning starter from last year, Bear Alexander will once again be the guy on the inside for the Ducks. Don't be surprised if we see a lot of Matthew Johnson and D'Antre Robinson, though, who DC Chris Hampton said have been playing incredibly well this offseason.
Defensive Tackle
Projected Starter: A'Mauri Washington
Other Names to Know: Aydin Breland, Tank Jones
Analysis: Again, the starter from last year coming back makes this one a bit less interesting. A'Mauri Washington should be among Oregon's best players, and one of the best defensive tackles in the nation. The story is about who is behind him. Aydin Breland has been making some noise this offseason, and I think that freshman Tank Jones might be able to slide inside after some comments from Hampton last week.
Edge Rusher
Defensive End
Projected Starter: Matayo Uiagalelei
Other Names to Know: Elijah Rushing, Tank Jones, Dutch Horisk
Analysis: It's the same story at the edge rusher positions for the Ducks, with the returning starters coming back. Matayo Uiagalelei shed some weight and will look like a different player this year, but behind him, I'm very curious to see what Elijah Rushing can do. He has a chance to step into a much more prominent role, but he needs to take advantage of the opportunity.
JACK Linebacker
Projected Starter: Teitum Tuioti
Other Names to Know: Elijah Rushing, Tank Jones
Analysis: Teitum Tuioti should be among the best edge rushers in the nation this year, and once again, I think this is a place where either Elijah Rushing or freshman Tank Jones could step in as a backup and have a big role.
Strong-Side Linebacker
Projected Starter: Nasir Wyatt
Other Names to Know: Bleu Dantzler
Analysis: One of the most intriguing players on the roster this year is Nasir Wyatt, who had a great freshman season, but in very limited snaps. Now with a bigger role, how good can he be? I also want to see what Oregon State transfer Bleu Dantzler can do after having a breakout spring game.
Linebacker
MAC Linebacker
Projected Starter: Jerry Mixon
Other Names to Know: Gavin Nix, Dylan Williams
Analysis: Linebacker is one of the more interesting groups this offseason. Jerry Mixon comes back, and I think he should be a great player in the middle of the defense. The depth behind him is a bit of a question, though, with Gavin Nix and Dylan Williams needing to step up.
Money Linebacker
Projected Starter: Devon Jackson
Other Names to Know: Gavin Nix, Brayden Platt
Analysis: Devon Jackson enters this season with a ton of pressure on him to step up and become a plus player for the Ducks. He has shown some flashes over the years, but dealt with a lot of injuries as well, limiting his ceiling. If he can become who Oregon expects him to be this season, then the Ducks' defense could legitimately be one of the best in the nation.
Cornerback
Field Cornerback
Projected Starter: Brandon Finney
Other Names to Know: Na'eem Offord, Aaron Scott Jr.
Analysis: Another position where the starters from last year come back, and should do the same this year. One of those starters is Brandon Finney, who was one of the stories of last year, taking over as CB1 from the first week of the year. Behind him, the depth is incredibly intriguing. There are high expectations for Na'eem Offord and Ohio State transfer Aaron Scott Jr., who had an impressive spring game.
Boundary Cornerback
Projected Starter: Ify Obidegwu
Other Names to Know: Na'eem Offord, Dorian Brew, Davon Benjamin
Analysis: On the other side, I think that Ify Obidegwu will have the starting spot again, but I could also see Offord stepping in here as well. There are also some intriguing names like Dorian Brew and Davon Benjamin who could get into the mix.
Safety
Field Safety
Projected Starter: Koi Perich
Other Names to Know: Trey McNutt, Jett Washington
Analysis: The biggest transfer of the year for Oregon was Minnesota safety Koi Perich, who will step into a deep safety role and be the center fielder that Oregon has needed for quite some time. I think we also see Trey McNutt vie for this position as well, now that he is back and healthy.
Boundary Safety
Projected Starter: Aaron Flowers
Other Names to Know: Trey McNutt, Peyton Woodyard
Analysis: The other position carries a bit of intrigue. I think that Aaron Flowers will get the job once again after having a great 2025 season. However, there are really talented players like McNutt and Peyton Woodyard who could absolutely step into the starting role with ease.
Nickel/Star
Projected Starter: Carl Williams IV
Other Names to Know: Davon Benjamin, Peyton Woodyard
Analysis: The nickel spot is another interesting one. The Ducks have a lot of guys who could fill in, but I think ultimately it's Baylor transfer Carl Williams IV who steps into the starting spot. We've heard that Woodyard is doing quite a bit of cross-training here, so he could be a viable candidate, and freshman Davon Benjamin has also been mentioned as a potential guy early on.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Oregon Ducks projected depth chart after first week of fall camp
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