Fan sounds off with the healthiest perspective on Oregon's agonizing loss

On Facebook, lifetime Oregon fan Roger Newton expressed the mature opinion of many longtime Ducks after the 56-22 loss to Indiana:

Thanks for the ride.

The Oregon Ducks football team returned four starters for the start of the 2025 season. This low number of returning starters (115th in the nation in returning production) meant the team relied heavily on incoming transfers and a highly-touted recruiting class.

Of the four returning starters:

Only one was on offense: offensive lineman Iapani Laloulu. The team had to replace ten offensive starters in total.

Key returners on defense included linebackers Bryce Boettcher, Teitum Tuioti, and Matayo Uiagalelei, who provided a strong foundation in the middle of the defense.

The team successfully navigated this significant roster turnover, which included replacing four starters on the offensive line and all five starters in the secondary.

See you in the fall of 2026.

Full disclosure: Roger Newton is my brother. Just like Bo Nix and Tez Johnson, we have different last names. If he didn't love fishing so much, I'd hire him to take over this job. He covers the story here with more clarity than many.

In the aftermath of a painful 56-22 pratfall in Atlanta, there are all sort of recriminations and wild theories about why Oregon lost and what's wrong with the program. A few voices on social media let fly with angry diatribes about Dan Lanning and his coaching style.

As Roger points out, this was never supposed to be a championship year. The Ducks had an inexperienced starter at quarterback, a rebuilt offense line and a completely new secondary, where they'd graduated all five starters.

Achieving an 11-1 regular season and advancing to the College Football Playoff semifinals was way above the line. Oregon has a great program and this was a rewarding year to follow them. Imagine how exciting next year might be with Jeremiah McClellan, Jamari Johnson, Dierre Hill, Jordon Davison, Dakorien Moore, Poncho, Nasir Wyatt and Bear Alexander returning.

In the end, what do you want your fan journey to be about?

If Oregon adds some pieces in the transfer portal with this core of talent, they'll be playoff contenders again, while remaining a team with faith, class and purpose.

Wyatt's quickness adds a different dimension to the pass rush, and tight end Johnson is a dynamic weapon in the offense, He posted catches of 19, 20 and 39 yards over the middle. Dierre Hill reeled off a 71-yard run. Even in a loss, these guys competed.

In a TikTok message after the game, Johnson announced he's coming back.

Thirty-one years ago I sat in one of my brother's recliners, watching Oregon struggle in what looked like another painful loss to Washington. The Huskies were driving late in the game, reaching the 9-yard-line with Napoleon Kauffman in the backfield.

Instead of running the football, UW quarterback Damon Huard dropped back to throw an out route to slot receiver Dave Janoski.

I still remember Roger leaping off the coach like a hooked steelhead, moments after Kenny Wheaton jumped the route and intercepted the ball.

You never know the moment a thing changes forever. Since then the Ducks have brought us occasional moments of searing heartbreak, but so many more moments of heart, hope, profound courage and effort. It's been an incredible ride, thanks to Akili, Joey, Haloti, Marcus and Justin, Bo, and so many more, particularly the fan sitting next to you with whom you shared all those moments.

To lose sight of that to bitch and whine on the Internet would be a tremendous waste. Maybe they'll win that elusive natty soon. Either way, as Roger says, thanks for the ride.