Where does Oregon football fall in the way-too-early 2024 Big Ten rankings?

Non-believers can argue with me all they want but I think with the players who head coach Dan Lanning has returning, the top recruiting class in the conference, and the transfer addition of Dillon Gabriel at quarterback, the Ducks will be sitting pretty in 2024.

The team gets a soft launch into the Big Ten as their first conference opponent is a familiar foe, UCLA. While the Ducks will have to flock to Los Angeles for the game, the Bruins aren’t looking strong heading into next season.

The first “big” game for Oregon will be when the team hosts Ohio State at home. 

The Buckeyes will be looking to make a statement following a disappointing 2023 season and after the Ducks defeated them in 2021.

Lanning has both offensive and defensive leaders coming back to play their senior seasons. Patrick Herbert and Terrence Ferguson will fill the starting spots for the tight end position while linebacker Jeffrey Bassa and defensive end Jordan Burch will hold it down in defense.

If he wants to dip into his freshman class: Lanning has the best recruiting group coming into the Big Ten and the class is ranked 4th nationally.

The Ducks do have to travel to Ann Arbor to play against the national champion Michigan Wolverines. However, Michigan won’t look the same without McCarthy or Corum in the offensive lineup.

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