Predicting Oregon Football's Superlatives Before the Regular Season

The Oregon Ducks' 2026 college football season is on the horizon, and many players are set to have a breakout season.

When it comes to superlatives on the Oregon roster, which Ducks players will have the biggest impact on the program this season? Here are picks for Oregon's offensive and defensive player of the year as well as the Ducks' most impactful freshman.

Oregon's Player of the Year - Dante Moore, Quarterback

Oregon Ducks college football 2026 dante moore matayo uiagalelei jett washington jeremiah mcclellan dan lanning eugene — Oregon quarterback Dante Moore speaks during a press conference on Aug. 18, 2026, at the Hatfield-Dowlin Complex in Eugene, Oregon. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

The Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore is by far the most anticipated player entering the season, but it is safe to say that is because of the success he has had in the past on the football field. He is entering his third season with the football program and his second year as a starter for the Ducks.

Last season, he showed that he is willing to take shots down the field, and with an advanced wide receiver room and a returning receiver in Evan Stewart, it seems that Moore could find himself being a top deep-ball threat yet again.

Defensive Player of the Year - Matayo Uiagalelei, EDGE

As for the defensive side of the ball, there were plenty of players worth considering. In fact, one could argue that a person could throw a dart at a dartboard filled with players from the defense and would get a great defensive star.

As for myself, I believe that EDGE Matayo Uiagalelei is set for a massive season due to the attention that EDGE Teitum Tuioti will absorb on the other side. It is also known that the interior defensive linemen, Bear Alexander and A'Mauri Washington, have some of the best gap presence in the country. This will only help take some heat off Uiagalelei, who will fly off the edge in 2026.

Offensive Player of the Year - Jeremiah McClellan, Wide Receiver

While it is easy to assume Stewart and fellow wide receiver Dakorien Moore are both set for a massive season, wide receiver Jeremiah McClellan is set to finish the season as a star. McClellan is going to be the starting wideout in the slot for the Ducks in 2026, which means that his route tree will look different from the other wide receivers. He will also have some moments in which he is paired against linebackers, which isn't something colleges will want to do.

McClellan showcased that he is great with the ball in his hands last season, which is one trait that will allow him to be the difference maker that the Ducks will need.

Oregon's Freshman of the Year - Jett Washington, Safety

This was probably the hardest superlative to pick, as there are plenty of talented players; however, each player has yet to showcase how they have translated from one level to another. When it comes to the tell-all signs, no one has a better chance to be a significant contributor on the roster as a freshman in 2026 than Jett Washington.

Having a 6-5 frame that is capped off with around 200 pounds is something that can't be kept off the field. Washington is expected to be a rotational safety, but a big season this year could lead to a bigger role down the line.

Sign up to our free newsletter and follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram for the latest news.

Add us as a preferred source on Google