The 3 overlooked Oregon Ducks who could make or break a championship season

Heading into the 2026 college football season, every list you read or analyst you listen to will praise Oregon, anointing the Ducks as National Championship front runners. The sentiment is for good reason after back-to-back trips to the College Football Playoff as Dan Lanning keeps raising the program's ceiling.

The roster is loaded with elite talent, starting with Dante Moore and an elite defensive line, while the wide receivers, running backs, tight ends, and defensive backs have star players. While the Ducks return a ton of star power from last season, the way to get over the hump is by continuing to get better. Heading into the 2026 season, 3 players need to take the leap from solid player to star player if the Ducks are going to win a National Championship.

The 3 Oregon Ducks who need to make a leap in 2026

Devon Jackson - Linebacker

Bryce Boettcher is off to the NFL, and the Ducks are going to need to replace his stability in the middle of the defense. Returning to the defense is linebacker Devon Jackson, who has a ton of experience but needs to hit that next level. After back-to-back seasons with 40+ tackles, Devon Jackson needs to take another step forward next to Jerry Mixon if the defense is going to click.

Nasir Wyatt - Edge Rusher

When you look at the talent on Oregon's defensive line, the names everyone thinks of are A'Mauri Washington, Bear Alexander, Teitum Tuioti, and Matayo Uiagalelei. The name outsiders hardly ever mention is Nasir Wyatt, who could break out despite all the other talent on the defensive line. Wyatt has shown elite bend and burst off the edge and will be key in closing out games where the Ducks have a lead.

Jeremiah McClellan - Wide Receiver

During his time at Oregon, Jeremiah McClellan has flown under the radar with all the talent that's been in the receiving room. Heading into his 3rd season in Eugene, Jeremiah McClellan has shown a ton of flashes, but he's now going to be a player the Ducks need to lean on. McClellan's shown elite ability after the catch and on contested catches, and he can be the perfect complement to the speed of Dakorien Moore and Evan Stewart.

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