The Oregon Ducks rank near the top of the AP Poll for second consecutive season and they could exceed expectations with strong play from a former transfer
For the second consecutive season the Ducks rank in the top ten of the AP Poll but the success is depends on the play of key starter.
The Oregon Ducks are coming off a remarkable 2024 campaign that saw them win the BIG Ten in their first year and go undefeated in the regular season. Because of that, it is no surprise to see the Ducks land in the top ten of the AP Poll for the second straight season.
Oregon comes in at number seven in the AP Poll after being at number three in last year’s preseason poll.
The Ducks crack the top ten even after losing 18 starters from their 2024 team. The media respects head coach Dan Lanning’s ability to recruit and develop top talent from high school and the transfer portal.
Lanning has proven that he can not just rebuild but reload his roster in a hurry. The 2025 team figures to be one of the most talented teams Lanning has assembled in his four years as head coach. The team is loaded with future NFL players and has all-conference talent littered across the roster.
The main question for the Ducks as they enter the 2025 season is at quarterback, as they look to replace Heisman finalist Dillon Gabriel. The team is currently in a quarterback competition, but it is widely expected that former UCLA transfer Dante Moore will win the starting quarterback role.
The Ducks will go as far as Moore takes them. They have enough talent around Moore that if he plays good football, there is no reason to believe that this team can’t make another run in the College Football Playoff. If Moore struggles, this could be an eight-win team, given the BIG Ten schedule.
This season will be the first season in over three years where the Ducks have an unproven starter at quarterback, and that alone should make this season one of the most exciting in recent years.
