NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...

Week One of the 2026 college football season is finally here, and Oregon Duck fans are eager to see their team live in action on Saturday.

This offseason, head coach Dan Lanning and his staff did an incredible job of building the roster for the upcoming season. With plenty of names returning for another season with the Ducks, the program has quickly become a top choice to win the 2026 College Football National Championship.

However, the one issue that could haunt Oregon this year is the injury bug. But luckily for Lanning and the rest of the coaching staff, the offense could receive a significant boost before the Ducks' Week One battle against the Boise State Broncos.

On Monday, Lanning told reporters that starting right guard Dave Iuli has "been able to practice all week," and that he feels "comfortable" regarding his availability for the program's season opener against Boise State.

"He's been able to practice for us all week," Lanning said. "[I] feel comfortable that he could play."

Iuli's Impact On Oregon

Iuli, a former four-star prospect out of Washington, has been a key piece to the Ducks' offensive line over the past few seasons.

In his first three seasons with the program, Iuli played a total of 300 offensive snaps at left and right guard. During that stretch, the talented lineman posted an average PFF pass-blocking grade of 72.7, but struggled to establish himself as a sufficient run blocker.

However, Iuli finally received the chance to start for Oregon in 2025. As the Ducks' starting right guard, he managed to allow 10 quarterback hurries and zero sacks, while simultaneously finishing with a 78.9 PFF pass-blocking grade. Unfortunately for Iuli, his strong showing last year came to a sudden halt after sustaining a triceps tear in Oregon's semifinal matchup against the Indiana Hoosiers in the 2025-26 College Football Playoffs.

Now, with Iuli set to return for the 2026 college football season, it's clear that Lanning and the coaching staff must rely on the veteran to protect star quarterback Dante Moore.

The Ducks' offensive line will catch a break for its first contest of the new season. Boise State is set to start two newcomers on the interior of the defensive line in former BYU Cougar David Latu and former Central Washington standout Mikaio Edward. Broncos' head coach Spencer Danielson clearly made the necessary improvements to the defensive line ahead of the 2026 season, but the potential return of Iuli should provide comfort to Moore on Saturday.

More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos