For the Oregon Ducks, defining what the goals should be this year isn't an easy task. They have a new starting quarterback in Dillon Gabriel, new center, a new No. 1 wide receiver in Evan Stewart, and a variety of other changes in personnel all over the roster. Oh, and there's the small detail of moving to the Big Ten, where they will now be competing with perennial powerhouses and last year's National Champion.

Defining "success" needs to be the first step, and I think it's a successful season for the Ducks if they make the Big Ten Championship Game. Expectations in their first year in a new conference shouldn't be set at "championship or bust," but we know that's the direction this team wants to be heading. If they make the Big Ten Championship Game, they'll essentially be a lock for the CFP bracket. If they win the Big Ten Championship Game, they'll go in as one of the top-four seeds. 

So, make it to the CFP dance, and then make a run at it. Compete. Be a part of the conversation and announce that you've arrived with authority. Who knows, maybe even go win the whole thing in year one and bring the first football title to Eugene – that'd be electric. 

If this team is going to compete and live up to the preseason hype that currently has them ranked as the No. 3 team in the country, there's one player on defense that is going to be instrumental to making it happen – Jordan Burch. 

Jordan Burch must take the next step as an elite pass rusher

Burch is an athletic marvel, appearing on Bruce Feldman's 2024 College Football Freaks List. Feldman had this to say about Burch.

“He’s done a great job this offseason changing his body,” head coach Dan Lanning told me last month. That is saying something considering Burch was No. 4 on my list last year before leading the Ducks with 7.5 TFLs in 2023 alongside his 34 tackles, 27 QB pressures and three sacks. But Oregon coaches are expecting a big final season to his college career.

“He is really unique. He’s put on 13 pounds of muscle,” Lanning said. “He’s different and is playing to attributes.” This offseason the 6-5 1/8, 295-pound senior improved his vertical jump to 35 inches and hit 20.75 MPH on the GPS. Last year, Burch showed impressive strength, squatting 685 pounds and doing a sumo deadlift of 685.

Burch continuing to improve his body and his strength is impressive, considering where he already stood last year. Now, Burch needs to translate the athleticism into production.

Last year, as Feldman noted, Burch logged 7.5 TFLs, but he only logged three sacks. This year, with Brandon Dorlus off to the NFL, Burch returns as the most talented and physically gifted player on Oregon's defensive front.

He simply has to take a step forward, and his coaches believe that he's ready to.

#1more ? pic.twitter.com/TtnNdlLJQq

— Jordan Burch (@JordanB1505) January 6, 2024

"He's improved in a lot of different areas. Number one, just in terms of being more vocal, his leadership – I'm really proud of what he's been able to do this offseason," defensive line coach Tony Tuioti said following Monday's practice. "He's put on some weight – He was 285, he's like 298 now, just putting on some lean muscle, and got faster and stronger. I expect a real breakout season for him. He's been working really hard for it, he has high expectations for himself, and I think he's putting himself in position where he can put it all together and make it happen."

For the Ducks, they'll need Burch to have the breakout that they know he's capable of, turning into a game-wrecking defensive end capable of taking over games when it's needed most.

Oregon Ducks keep elite west coast offensive tackle recruit away from Washington as he becomes the face of 2026 class

What a huge get for the Ducks.

Follow along all year for more Oregon Ducks coverage on A to Z Sports. You can find me on X @JonHelmkamp, as well as follow our main page @AtoZSportsNFL for all the latest news.

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