Oregon gets massive news with surprise return announcement

In a surprise announcement yesterday Iapani "Poncho" Laloulu, the Ducks' two-year starter at center, declared he's coming back for his senior season with the team.

That makes two key leaders on the 2025 squad who have announced they're passing up the NFL draft for another season of college football. Defensive tackle Bear Alexander announced just last week.

Via Instagram, the Rimington Award finalist and third team AP All-American said, "First and foremost I want to thank my Heavenly Father in my lord and savior Jesus Christ ... Thank you to my family and friends for your support, love and encouragement, but after a lot of prayer and talks with my family I would like to say that I will be returning back to EUGENE for my last season!"

It could be the start of a groundswell for the 2026 squad. Laloulu is close with quarterback Dante Moore, who faces a similar decision before the January 15th deadline. Teitum Tuioti, Kenyon Sadiq, Matayo Uiagalelei, Dillon Thieneman, A'Mauri Washington and tight end Jamari Johnson are also draft eligible with pending announcements.

Getting back a handful of these team leaders would be massive, and so far the Ducks are 2-2.

Laloulu is the glue, the anchor and the captain on a terrific unit

Laloulu made the line calls and anchored pass protection on a unit that paved the way for 2,822 yards rushing and 5.9 yards a carry, No. 2 in the nation. In a 12-1 season the o-line surrendered just 13 sacks. His blocking, leadership and energy were huge on this team, particularly in being a protector and encouragment for Moore in his first full year starting.

Prior to the season the 6-2, 329 blocking machine from Farrington High School in Honolulu, Hawaii had said his goals were to follow the road taken by former Duck Jackson Powers-Johnson, to win the Rimington as a junior and declare for the NFL draft.

Instead, Iowa graduate center Logan Jones went home with the Trophy. All Laloulu got was 12 wins and a trip to the Orange Bowl for the College Football Playoff quarterfinal against Texas Tech. In November the Ducks beat Iowa 18-16 in Kinnick Stadium with 261 yards rushing.

With a strong senior year, Laloulu could win the Rimington and his unit could win the Joe Moore Award that has eluded them the last three years. First there's the matter of competing for the 2025 National Championship. He chose a further opportunity to improve his draft stock, which is already solid.

If Moore returns, Poncho's decision sets up the 2026 offense for success with a foundation of outstanding leadership. If the Ducks' gifted passer elects to move on the pros, Laloulu will provide guidance and support for whoever takes over at QB.

It's also huge for the 2026 recruiting class. Laloulu will be on hand to be a role model and a mentor for Immanuel Iheanacho, Tommy Tofi, and his likely replacement at center, Koloi Keli, who is also from the Islands and a Farrington High grad.

Getting Laloulu is vital also as offensive line coach A'lique Terry has to replace seniors Immanuel Pregnon, Isaiah World and Alex Harkey. The Ducks might look to the portal for at least one veteran offensive tackle, though Iheanacho, Tofi, Fox Crader, Douglas Utu and Ziyare Addison have a world of potential.