The most exciting news for Oregon fans at Big Ten Media Day

The hype is outsized for Dante Moore and the Oregon football team, but the exciting thing is they're doing the work to make it real.

“We never want to feel that feeling again, of coming up short in a game,” tight end Jamari Johnson said. “This whole offseason we’ve been preaching it. We hate that feeling.”

Despite a high profile, Dante Moore gets his work done

In interviews at Big Ten Media Day Dante Moore told reporters that he gained 17 pounds of muscle in the offseason, to 220 pounds. "I had a chance to put on some weight, got faster," Moore said on "The Cover 3 Podcast." He's also worked on his pre-snap and post-snap reads to improve his processing speed in the pocket.

"After my freshman year, it kind of made me understand that I have to be prepared before I take my next step in anything I do," he said.

It's the combination of preparation and resolve that makes this 2026 season so exciting for Duck fans. Dan Lanning said from the podium at the Chicago Hilton, "Nobody's going to have higher expectations for our team than us."

Those expectations get real when A'Mauri Washington and Bear Alexander are powering up 855 pounds in the squat. "The upcoming year is going to be one where we chase history," Moore said.

The wonderful thing about Moore as he enters his junior year is the ease and comfort he exudes in the spotlight, resplendent in a custom green suit. He's unbothered by the repeat questions, relaxed about the attention.

The lofty goals and bold talk don't mean anything without the work, and there's ample evidence that the Ducks have trained this offseason like a team that burns to bury the "choke" label. This is a team with 200 college starts.

"Last year we had talent. This year we have talent and experience," Lanning said on the Big Ten Network broadcast.

Bri Amaranthus of Sports Illustrated reported that Evan Stewart's trainer Craig LeBlanc says Stewart has crushed his rehab. “I’ve worked with him for seven years and I’ve never seen speed like he has right now. It’s explosive," Leblanc said.

If Lanning and his players end Oregon's 135-year national championship drought, the "Zero Natties" boner award the program has worn throughout its history, it will be because of this powerful synergy of talent and culture. Work like this is infectious. Determination has a power of its own.

Now that they have to sustain that resolve for 25 weeks and 16 games.

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