We are just a few days away from the start of Oregon football's quest for a national title.
While it may not seem like it, this might be the most anticipated season for the Ducks in program history. Sure, the Chip Kelly era had some talented teams that many believed could and should have won it all, but the 2024 version of Oregon under Dan Lanning might be the best of the bunch.
The Ducks are ranked No. 3 in the preseason polls and guys like Desmond Howard and Kirk Herbstreit believe that they're going to run through college football and win a national title.
In that case, the Ducks would have to be the best team in the Big Ten, ahead of No. 2-ranked Ohio State. And here's why I believe that Oregon is the best team in the conference.
3. A loaded defense that got even better
A year ago, Oregon had one of the best defenses in the country, ranking No. 9 in scoring and No. 22 in total yards per game. That defense has gotten even better, in my opinion.
The Ducks went into the portal and landed some big-time players like Peyton Woodyard, Derrick Harmon, Kobe Savage, Jabbar Muhammad, Brandon Johnson, Jamaree Caldwell, and Kam Alexander. Each one of these guys could start this season and they join a returning group of Jordan Burch, Matayo Uiagalelei, Jeffrey Bassa, Jestin Jacobs, Jahlil Florence, and Tysheem Johnson.
Long story short, this team got leaps and bounds better defensively and it already had a top 25 unit in college football.
The only weakness on defense last season was the secondary and that has become a strength with the additions of Muhammad, Savage, Brandon Johnson, and Alexander to pair with Florence and Tysheem Johnson. The Ducks ranked 54th against the pass last season and I could see them jumping into the top 20 nationally in that regard.
This defense will be scary.