Oregon football listed as one of 16 teams with shot at 2021 national title

We all know expectations are at an all-time high for Oregon football this upcoming season, but if you’re a fan of the Ducks, you’re probably hoping for more national accolades rather than Pac-12 ones.

Sure, winning the Pac-12 is great, but that needs to translate into national recognition sooner than later and contending for titles is something that Oregon has done a couple of times over the past 5-6 years, but 2021 needs to be a special year.

With all the talent returning and coming in, the Ducks have to have one of the best rosters in college football.

And one publication agrees.

According to a “blue-chip ratio” in-depth post by 247Sports write Bud Elliott, Oregon is one of 16 teams that have signed more “blue-chip” prospects (four and five-stars) than non-blue-chip players over the past four recruiting classes.

And therefore, the Ducks are one of the teams with a legitimate shot to win a national title or at the very least contend in 2021.

What Oregon football’s blue-chip ratio means

Oregon has the 11th-best blue-chip ratio (meaning percentage of four and five-stars compared to two and three-stars) in the country and is one of 16 teams with a percentage of over 50 at 56.

Elliot says the Ducks are one of the teams that has a realistic shot because programs with negative blue-chip ratios don’t often win the national title, but some can make the playoff (Michigan State is a good example).

The Ducks have the highest blue-chip ratio in the Pac-12, beating USC by three percent and this just goes to show that Mario Cristobal is an elite recruiter with a stranglehold on the top classes in the conference every year.

If you’re a big believer in the Ducks’ national title chances in 2021, you’re not alone.

Stars don’t always mean everything, but when it comes to contending for national titles, having those blue-chip players dominate the roster is important.