This week, the entire Big Ten is gathered in Chicago as the conference holds its annual Media Days event. While Dan Lanning won't take the podium until Wednesday, the Oregon Ducks are already one of the most talked about teams at the event. After making the College Football Playoff in back-to-back seasons as a new member of the Big Ten, the Ducks have cemented their place as a power in the conference.
Heading into the 2026 season, Oregon may have the most talented roster of the Dan Lanning era, and the expectations truly feel like it's National Championship or bust for the Ducks. The expectations were reflected in the Big Ten preseason poll with Oregon ranking behind only Ohio State in the conference.
Dante Moore and Koi Perich take him Preseason Big Ten honors
On Tuesday, the Big Ten revealed its Football Preseason Honors with a pair of Ducks making the 12 player list, with Dante Moore and Koi Perich getting the nod.
B1G Preseason Honors 🏈
— Oregon Football (@oregonfootball) July 28, 2026
🦆 @dantemoore05
🦆 @koiperich3 #GoDucks pic.twitter.com/u1UJfIoWfP
The Indiana Hoosiers led the way with 3 players named to the list while Ohio State, Oregon, and Rutgers each put two players onto the list. Considering how talented the Ducks are, only landing two players feels far too low, as Brandon Finney, A'Mauri Washington, Matayo Uiagalelei, and Teitum Tuioti, among many others, could've easily landed on the list.
Dante Moore is one of 3 quarterbacks to make the list as he's joined by Ohio State star Julian Sayin and USC quarterback Jayden Maiava. Moore had to make the list as he's arguably the best returning player in the Country with a chance to win the Heisman Trophy and go 1st overall in the NFL Draft next Spring.
Incoming transfer Koi Perich joins Oregon for his third season in the Big Ten and earned his way onto the list. After trying to play both ways last season, Perich will be focusing on safety this season, which should allow him to have a dominant season like Dillon Thieneman last year.
The Ducks have an incredible core of some of the most talented players in the Country, and now it's time for the team to put it all together. Dan Lanning has shown he can get this team into the Playoff on a consistent basis, but now it's all about going on a deep run and eventually winning the National Championship.
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