Honestly, if you took a nap for a couple of weeks this January, you probably wouldn't recognize the Oregon Ducks football starting roster today. The transfer portal didn't just open; it basically exploded in Eugene.
Dan Lanning is out here playing real-life Madden with the salary cap turned off. One minute we’re mourning a Peach Bowl loss to Indiana, and the next, news breaks that Dylan Raiola—yes, that Dylan Raiola—is coming to town. It’s wild. The 2026 season is shaping up to be a "reloaded" year rather than a "rebuilding" one, even with some massive names heading for the NFL.
The Quarterback Drama: Raiola vs. Moore
Let's talk about the elephant in the room. Or rather, the five-star gunslinger in the room.
When Dylan Raiola committed on January 12, 2026, it sent the fan base into a tailspin. We all thought Dante Moore was the heir apparent. Moore had a solid 2025, throwing for over 3,500 yards and 30 touchdowns. He's got the poise. But Raiola? He’s got that "it" factor that coaches risk everything for.
Currently, the Oregon Ducks football starting roster at QB is a giant question mark.
Dante Moore is still weighing his NFL options. If he stays, we have the most expensive, most talented quarterback competition in college football history. If he leaves, it's Raiola's show.
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Behind them? The depth is thinning. Austin Novosad and Luke Moga both hit the portal as soon as the Raiola news dropped. Can't blame them. Nobody wants to sit behind a generational talent for three years.
The Defensive Front: The Only Thing Staying the Same
In a world of constant change, Dan Lanning somehow convinced his entire starting defensive line to come back. This is arguably the biggest win of the off-season.
- Bear Alexander: The anchor. He’s returning for his redshirt junior year, and he's basically unblockable when he's on.
- A’Mauri Washington: Announced his return just yesterday. He was projected as a Day 2 NFL pick. Huge.
- Matayo Uiagalelei: "Young Bus" is staying in Eugene. His edge-rushing ability is the ceiling for this defense.
- Teitum Tuioti: Rounded out the "Core Four" returnees.
It’s rare. Usually, after a 13-2 season, these guys jump for the paycheck. Keeping them together gives Oregon a top-5 defensive unit by default.
Skill Positions: Out With the Old
The backfield is going to look very different. Noah Whittington is finally out of eligibility—it feels like he’s been in Eugene since the Chip Kelly era.
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Makhi Hughes, who was supposed to be the guy, headed back to Houston. So, who’s taking the handoffs? Look at Jordon Davison. The true freshman showed flashes of absolute brilliance last year, averaging nearly six yards a carry. He’s got that low center of gravity that makes him a nightmare to tackle in the rain.
At wide receiver, it's the Evan Stewart and Malik Benson show. They’re both seniors now. They’ve seen it all. But keep your eyes on Dakorien Moore. He’s a sophomore now, and after a 500-yard freshman campaign, he’s the one everyone expects to jump into that WR1 spot.
The Trenches and the Big Ten Reality
The offensive line is losing some soul, but Iapani "Poncho" Laloulu staying at center is the glue.
Moving to the Big Ten wasn't as scary as people thought, but the physical toll is real. Oregon is leaning heavily on transfers like Isaiah World and Alex Harkey at the tackle spots. They’re big. Really big. You need that size when you're playing November games in Columbus or Ann Arbor.
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Projected 2026 Starters (As of Mid-January)
- Quarterback: Dylan Raiola (assuming Moore declares)
- Running Back: Jordon Davison
- Wide Receiver (X): Dakorien Moore
- Wide Receiver (Z): Malik Benson
- Wide Receiver (Slot): Gary Bryant Jr.
- Tight End: Kenyon Sadiq
- Left Tackle: Isaiah World
- Left Guard: Emmanuel Pregnon
- Center: Iapani Laloulu
- Right Guard: Dave Iuli
- Right Tackle: Alex Harkey
Why This Roster Matters for 2026
The Oregon Ducks football starting roster is built for a National Championship run. Period. Lanning isn't interested in "moral victories" or just making the playoff. The defensive continuity combined with a potentially transcendent talent at QB means the window is wide open.
However, the depth is a concern. We saw a mass exodus in the secondary and the linebacker room this week. Guys like Blake Purchase and Tionne Gray leaving for the portal hurts the "next man up" philosophy. If the injury bug hits the defensive line, there isn't much behind those four starters right now.
What to Watch Next
If you’re a Ducks fan, the next 48 hours are about Dante Moore. If he stays, Dan Lanning has a leadership puzzle to solve. If he goes, the Dylan Raiola era officially begins.
Keep an eye on the "Star" position in the secondary too. With so many defensive backs leaving, that's where Lanning is likely to spend his remaining NIL budget in the spring portal window.
The best way to stay ahead is to track the official scholarship count. With the new 105-man roster limits, every portal entry is a calculated move to free up space for another high-impact veteran. Oregon is currently sitting right on that edge, meaning every move from here on out has to be a home run.
Go check the latest portal rankings on 247Sports to see who Lanning is targeting to fill those holes in the secondary. That's where the 2026 season will be won or lost.