After losing all but one starter along the offensive line, the Oregon Ducks will rely on Rimington Watch List member to be the anchor of the unit
Oregon Ducks center Iapani Laloulu is coming off a strong 2024 season but will be counted on for more in 2025.
The Oregon Ducks are coming off one of the most successful seasons in program history, and much of that success stemmed from the strength of their offensive line. However, heading into this year, the Ducks will have to rebuild most of that group, as several starters are gone — including 2025 first-round NFL Draft pick Josh Conerly Jr. The one familiar face up front is center Iapani Laloulu, who started all 14 games last season and enters the year as the most experienced player on Oregon’s offense.
Laloulu was excellent in his first full season as a starter in 2024 and was named All-BIG Ten honorable mention. He is expected to take the next step in his second season as a starter and is considered one of the best centers in college football entering the 2025 season. Laloulu was named to the Rimington Award watch list, which recognizes the top center in the country.
After speaking with the media on Tuesday, it is clear that Laloulu has worked this offseason to reach his ceiling and get better.
“I feel like I’ve gotten better at leadership, honestly. Box identification, being confident in the playbook. Being able to understand when we get in this type of certain situation, what are we going to check into, and just being able to have that conversation some of the skills. What I’ve been doing is trying to learn formations and trying to learn the routes. Being able to understand what their job is, because at the end of the day, I want to make sure everybody’s doing their job and I want to know their job as well” Laloulu said.
Laloulu has the talent, work ethic, and toughness to be one of Oregon’s best centers in recent seasons. His skillset is eerily similar to that of former Oregon Duck Jack Power-Johnson, who was drafted in the second round by the Las Vegas Raiders in 2024 after winning the Rimmington Award during that season.
Laloulu spoke about his relationship with JPJ and whether he tries to emulate his game.
“Yeah, I’ve talked to JPJ here and there. Obviously, he’s a busy man. Shout out to JPJ. I’m filling in big steps. The legacy he left, I got to fill in some big shoes, bringing that Rimmington back home. So that’s the main thing that’s on my mind. That’s the main goal, but at the end of the day, I’m more of a team player. So, as long as the team’s success goes, I know my success will come too.”
While the JPJ comparisons may be a bit extreme, it’s clear that the Ducks view Laloulu as the anchor of their offensive line and one of their core leaders of the football team. His steady presence, experience, and familiarity will help the Ducks’ offense as they look to break in new starters.
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