This flock of Ducks is due for a huge breakout year in 2026

The Oregon Ducks had plenty of players shine in their 2025 season. The plan surrounding Dante Moore paid off; transfers like Malik Benson and Jamari Johnson panned out well. Other newcomers, like cornerback Brandon Finney Jr. and running back Jordon Davison, made an immediate impact as freshmen.

Going into the offseason, it is only right to wonder who is going to break out next and emerge as a star for the Ducks in 2026. With many key starters returning, they just need a few surrounding pieces to leap in their development for contention. Oregon has developed and provided opportunities for players to grow and shine. But who is next?

WR Jeremiah McClellan

Some would say that Jeremiah McClellan took a big step forward in 2025, and they would be correct. Towards the end of the season, we saw McClellan make play after play, coming up big in even bigger spots. However, based on what we saw from him this past year, I think he has a whole other gear to kick into.

When injuries plagued the wide receiver room, McClellan immediately adopted the next man up mentality. He helped save the Ducks' season multiple times and made catches that Oregon fans are not used to seeing. When the WR room got healthy, his role did not shrink, as some expected. He continued to produce and showed he can be a go-to target for Moore.

He wasn't even involved in the offense at the beginning of the year. McClellan's stats of 557 yards and three touchdowns don't even remotely tell the story about what he accomplished when given a chance.

The WR is stacked with talent next year, but know the Ducks know what they have with McClellan. Watch out for him to have a big year next season.

OLB Nasir Wyatt

The truth is, we did not get to see nearly enough of Nasir Wyatt in his freshman year. The guy is an absolute beast and has the potential to be a top 10 NFL draft pick someday. He has got the speed, athleticism, and technique to be one of the great Oregon pass rushers.

Based on his high school highlights at Mater Dei alone, he is destined to be one of the elite rushers in all of college football. He outmaneuvers bigger offensive linemen, possesses a deep bag of pass rush moves, and can straight bull rush to the quarterback.

While playing mostly special teams his freshman season and in a few defensive packages here and there, the spark was there. He put up 6 solo tackles, 2 sacks, and a forced fumble in limited play time.

Once he gets steady minutes, he is going to be must-see TV on defense. While the Ducks have two major pass rushers in Matayo Uiagalelei and Teitum Tuioti returning next season, Oregon has to find time for Wyatt.

WR Iverson Hooks

Iverson Hooks is a new face at Oregon, having just transferred from UAB. He has had a solid career, but there is no doubt that he can soar to new heights with the Ducks. With the Blazers last year, Hooks put up 927 yards and 7 touchdowns. He is similarly built to former star WR Tez Johnson.

Over the last few years, transfer WRs have performed well for the Ducks. Traeshon Holden, Tez Johnson, and Malik Benson all took steps forward in their time at Oregon. So, there is no reason to believe that the speedster Hooks won't do the same.

Dante Moore is back. Hooks has never caught passes from a quarterback of that caliber before. If all goes well, the Oregon offense will highlight his strengths and shine the spotlight on him.