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With the 2026 college football season right around the corner, the Oregon Ducks and head coach Dan Lanning continue to gain hype heading into Week One.

In 2025, Lanning and his squad fell short of reaching the National Championship after losing to the Indiana Hoosiers in the semifinals. However, the coaching staff was able to go back to the drawing board this offseason and revamp the roster for another title run this year.

Still, despite all the attention starting to form around the program, fans must have the right expectation heading into this season.

Oregon's Roster

One of the most important parts of the Ducks' success in 2026 will come from the ample number of veterans on the roster.

This offseason, Lanning was able to retain multiple key playmakers from last season in quarterback Dante Moore and defensive tackle A'Mauri Washington. Moore was nothing short of electric in his first season as the program's starting quarterback, throwing for 3,656 passing yards, 30 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. And instead of entering the 2026 NFL Draft, the polished quarterback is back in Eugene this year to improve his draft stock.

Washington, on the other hand, will once again be Oregon's anchor on the defensive line in 2026, as he recorded 33 tackles, eight pass deflections, and five quarterback hits last season. Lanning may have kept Washington and a majority of his previous defensive line for the upcoming season, but he managed to replace safety Dillon Thieneman with former Minnesota Golden Gophers standout Koi Perich to retool the secondary.

While Oregon's 2026 roster features plenty of veteran returners, many young playmakers could easily have an impact this season, such as tight end Jamari Johnson and Lanning's running back duo of Jordon Davison and Dierre Hill Jr.

Oregon's Schedule

Outside of having one of the most experienced rosters in all of college football before the upcoming season, the Ducks were able to land a favorable schedule in 2026.

Last year, Lanning was unable to defeat head coach Curt Cignetti and the Indiana Hoosiers in their two matchups against the reigning National Champions. However, Oregon will not have to face the Hoosiers during the regular season, which is a huge relief for the fanbase.

Still, the program's schedule near the end of the season will be the biggest test for the Ducks in 2026. In Week 10, the Ducks will travel east to take on the Ohio State Buckeyes, followed by a home contest against the Michigan Wolverines. Oregon will then finish the season on the road against the Washington Huskies in Week 14, making the four-week stretch a gauntlet for Lanning and company.

Expectations For Oregon

With one of the best all-around rosters this year and a manageable regular season schedule, Oregon should once again be a favorite to win the National Championship in 2026.

Depending on how the Ducks perform against the Buckeyes late in the season, the program possesses a clear path for a spot in the Big 10 Conference Championship Game. Even if Lanning fails to reach the Conference Championship, there is a good chance the Ducks should be a lock to make the 2026-27 College Football Playoffs through an at-large bid.

Looking at the entire college football landscape for the 2026 season, Oregon's roster should be able to go head-to-head with some of the best teams in the nation. This is one of, if not the best, rosters that Lanning has constructed since his arrival to the program, so fans should have the expectation of a National Championship this season.

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