The Oregon Ducks enter the 2026 season with a clear championship window that everyone is hoping they'll be able to capitalize on. The moment Dante Moore announced his decision to return to school; it made the Ducks a contender for the National Championship. Adding in all the other talent the Ducks have put around Dante Moore, and it's clear this team has what it takes to win it all.
While some players on the roster may be better than others, it's always important to stack talent at the most important positions. Heading into the season, 10 players stand out as the most valuable if the Ducks are going to finally win a National Championship.
Ranking Oregon's 10 most valuable players
10. Fox Crader - Offensive Tackle
While Fox Crader hasn't been named the starting left tackle for the Ducks, it seems like he's going to be impossible to beat out. Last season, Crader appeared in 10 games for the Ducks, where he was impressive in pass protection but also needs to make strides as a run blocker. If Oregon is going to reach its potential, Fox Crader is going to need to be a great player protecting Dante Moore's blindside.
9. Jordon Davison - Running Back
While Dante Moore will be running the show on offense, Jordon Davison can take a ton of pressure off the passing attack. As a true freshman, Davison filled a massive role for the Ducks and converted on his chances with 15 rushing touchdowns. The offense will continue to rotate backs, but if Davison can continue to blossom in a bigger role, the offense will be nearly impossible to slow down.
8. Jerry Mixon - Linebacker
Jerry Mixon heads into the season as the quarterback of the Ducks' defense with Bryce Boettcher off to the NFL. Other players are continuing to emerge around Jerry Mixon, but his experience is going to be incredibly valuable in the middle of the defense. If Mixon can play at a high-level while commanding the defense, it answers some big questions about the linebacking core.
7. A'Mauri Washington - Defensive Tackle
Similar to some of his other teammates, A’Mauri Washington1st-round passed up on the chance to be a potential 1st round pick to return to Oregon for another season. Washington is your prototypical run-stuffing defensive tackle, taking a ton of pressure off Oregon’s linebackers. Where Washington can take his value to another level is if the sudden burst results in more pass rush success, which would make Oregon’s defensive front even scarier.
6. Koi Perich - Safety
Dan Lanning and the staff didn't need to make a ton of splashes in the Transfer Portal, but going out to land Koi Perich was that big swing. As a freshman, Koi Perich was one of the best safeties in the Country, but he took a step back trying to play both ways last season. Returning to just playing safety, Perich will need to be the glue of the secondary, replacing Dillon Thieneman.
5. Teitum Tuioti - Edge Rusher
While others on the Oregon defense get more attention, Teitum Tuioti flew under the radar while having a massive season. Coming off a season where he posted 9.5 sacks and 68 tackles, Tuioti has a chance to jump to 10+ sacks and solidify himself as one of the best pass rushers in the Country. If the Oregon defense is going to live up to its potential, Tuioti needs to produce at a high level once again.
4. Jamari Johnson - Tight End
While the Oregon wide receiver room is loaded with talent, the biggest asset in the passing game will be tight end Jamari Johnson. As the understudy to Kenyon Sadiq, Johnson contributed with 32 catches for 510 yards and 3 touchdowns. Johnson enters the season as a projected 1st round pick, and if his production rises in the starting role, he could easily be Dante Moore's top target.
3. Brandon Finney Jr - Cornerback
While other bigger names joined the room, Brandon Finney Jr instantly emerged as one of the best cornerbacks in the country. Having a true lockdown cornerback patrolling one side of the field will only allow the Ducks to get more creative with the plethora of pass rushers. Finney is one of the best players at one of the hardest positions, and his value will shine if he puts together another standout year.
2. Iapani Laloulu - Center
Having a great center can mask other weaknesses on the offensive line if they're able to set the right protections. Iapani Laloulu has been an integral part of the Ducks' offensive line since his freshman season, but especially since assuming the center job as a Sophomore. Laloulu's veteran presence will prove to be vital this season as the Ducks break in a ton of new pieces on the offensive line.
1. Dante Moore - Quarterback
Oregon's hopes of winning a National Championship start and end with Dante Moore having another great season. After spending a season behind Dillon Gabriel, Dante Moore passed for 3,565 yards and 30 touchdowns with 10 interceptions, becoming one of the best quarterbacks in the Country. If Moore can cut down on the interceptions while continuing to grow, he has what it takes to win the Heisman and lead the Ducks to a National Championship.
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