The Ducks have the talent to win a national championship, this year, right now.
Every year at the start of the season 247Sports releases the college football talent composite, a rating that combines high school recruiting, the portal and JUCO transfers into one number.
Alabama has the most talented roster in the country, followed by Georgia, Texas and Ohio State. Oregon is No. 5 in the the country, ahead of LSU, Clemson and Texas A&M. Penn State and Michigan place No. 9 and No. 10.
West coast rivals Washington and USC are far back. The Trojans sit at No. 34. Washington's roster places 39th, behind Cal and Michigan State.
The Most Talented Rosters in College Football per 247Sports ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/sB8x8XHIiJ
— College Football Report (@CFBRep) August 26, 2025
Oklahoma State, Oregon's Game Two opponent, ranks No. 49. Mike Gundy brought in 41 players from the Transfer Portal this season, a wholesale overhaul. He hired two new coordinators in OC Doug Meacham and DC Todd Grantham.
Of course, it takes more than talent to win and make the playoffs in college football. Balance, culture, development, play-calling and scheme are all important. Injuries and results in close games make a crucial difference.
Oregon has some key questions to answer in 2025. Dante Moore must show consistency and poise at quarterback. A rebuilt offensive line has to come together with tackles Isaiah World and Alex Harkey showing they can elevate their footwork and technique. Dillon Thieneman must raise the performance level in a talented but inexperienced secondary.
Dante Moore 🎯 to Gary Bryant 👀 pic.twitter.com/9W7SSCDgSb
— Oregon Updates (@oregon__updates) April 23, 2025
It helps that Oregon's culture and development are tremendous. The Ducks have great roster balance-- there's talent at every position, depth throughout the roster with few glaring weaknesses, although linebacker performance has to level up this season.
In just three days, the team takes the field against FCS Montana State. The Bobcats have a strong running game: backs Adam Jones and Julius Davis combined for 1,399 yards last season and 17 touchdowns. MSU runs the football 69% of the time.
On defense, DE Kenneth Eiden IV, 6-1, 250 from Bozeman, Montana, creates the outside pressure, nine sacks a year ago. He's a team captain: He and his father form the second father-son duo to become captains in program history.
Talent matters, and usually wins out. But at game time pride, legacy and desire matter too. The Ducks have to execute to achieve those lofty goals. They have to get better every week, and some of their young talent has to quickly rise to its potential.
For Saturday, Scott Reed of Duck Sports Central predicts a final score of Oregon 42, Montana State 14.