Oregon Football: 2025 Ducks Season Preview and Prediction
An unbeaten run to the Big Ten title as first-year members of the league came crashing back to earth for Oregon with its lopsided College Football Playoff loss to a highly motivated, exceptionally talented Ohio State team. Given the loss of so many experienced contributors, the ceiling doesn't feel as high for this Oregon team as the 2024 group, but conference title contention and a playoff berth are the new standard for the Ducks under coach Dan Lanning.
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[Editor's note: This article is from Athlon Sports' 2025 College Football Preview print magazine. Order your copy today online, or pick one up at retail racks and newsstands nationwide.]
More Big Ten team previews:
Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Maryland | Michigan | Michigan State
Minnesota | Nebraska | Northwestern | Ohio State | Penn State
Purdue | Rutgers | UCLA | USC | Washington | Wisconsin
Previewing Oregon's Offense for 2025
After three years featuring a high-profile portal addition at quarterback in Dillon Gabriel, the Ducks are expected to hand the keys to their offense to sophomore Dante Moore. He shared starting duties at UCLA in 2023 and then transferred to the school he originally committed to out of high school — Oregon. His physical gifts have never been questioned, and after a mental reset while redshirting last year, Moore has been drawing rave reviews from his new teammates.
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He'll have a ton of weapons around him, including the top running back in the portal, Tulane transfer Makhi Hughes, who rushed for 1,401 yards and 15 touchdowns last season; a breakout star in tight end Kenyon Sadiq; and a receiver room led by dynamic freshman Dakorien Moore after Evan Stewart was lost indefinitely due to an offseason injury.
A key will be getting an offensive line featuring four new starters to jell quickly, but all the newcomers are seniors.
Related: Big Ten Predictions for 2025
Oregon QB Dante Moore | Ben Lonergan-Imagn Images
Previewing Oregon's Defense for 2025
A school known for its offensive prowess has seen its defense begin to even the scales under head coach Dan Lanning. Given the losses on that side of the ball this offseason, that trend will be tested, as Oregon moves on without the likes of defensive lineman Derrick Harmon, linebacker Jeffrey Bassa and cornerback Jabbar Muhammad.
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The strength this season is on the edge, where Matayo Uiagalelei and Teitum Tuioti should form one of the best pass-rushing tandems in the country. Up the middle, the Ducks will need guys like Bear Alexander, A'Mauri Washington and Devon Jackson to come into their own as full-time contributors.
The secondary is filled with new faces, led by Purdue transfer Dillon Thieneman, but Oregon has been outstanding in recent years at integrating newcomers on the back end without a hitch.
Oregon coach Dan Lanning | Ben Lonergan-Imagn Images
Previewing Oregon's Specialists for 2025
Kicker Atticus Sappington and punter Ross James both are back in the fold, as is kickoff returner Noah Whittington. Gary Bryant Jr. will look to step into the shoes of punt returner Tez Johnson and also help replace him as a slot receiver along with the freshman Moore.
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National Ranking: 9
More Big Ten team previews:
Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Maryland | Michigan | Michigan State
Minnesota | Nebraska | Northwestern | Ohio State | Penn State
Purdue | Rutgers | UCLA | USC | Washington | Wisconsin
Related: Big Ten Football 2025 Predictions
Related: College Football Rankings: Projecting the Top 25 Teams for 2025
Related: College Football Top 136 Team Rankings for 2025
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 7, 2025, where it first appeared.
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