Over a dozen spring football practices are in the books for Dan Lanning and the Oregon Ducks, and the team is now getting set to take the field in Autzen Stadium for the annual spring game on Saturday afternoon. This will be the third official scrimmage for Oregon this spring, but the first played in front of fans and a live television audience.
While this is nothing new for the majority of the Ducks' returning roster, it will be a new experience for many young players fighting for spots on the depth chart. With several months of offseason still ahead, nothing will be set in stone as far as starting spots go following the spring game, but this will offer up a great opportunity to see who is fighting for snaps and where the depth chart stands at this point.
Though we haven't been able to see any practices or scrimmages thus far, talking to players and coaches over the past several weeks has given us a look at who is playing where and which young players are stepping up and potentially grabbing top spots on the depth chart. Here is our prediction of how things will look when we see them on Saturday.
Other Names to Know: Akili Smith Jr. / Brock Thomas
Analysis: With Dante Moore back for the 2026 season, the QB depth chart is crystal clear for Oregon in 2026. Moore will enter the season as one of the Heisman favorites, with Nebraska's Dylan Raiola coming in to be the QB2 and sit for a year, much like Moore did behind Dillon Gabriel. We can also watch as guys like Akili Smith Jr. and Brock Thomas find spots on the depth chart as well.
Other Names to Know: Tradarian Ball / Da'Jaun Riggs / Simeon Price / Brandon Smith
Analysis: I originally had Jordon Davison over Dierre Hill Jr. because of his ability to be more of an every-down back, but it sounds like he is still working back from his broken clavicle suffered in the Orange Bowl victory over Texas Tech. Because of that, I have Hill at the top, but I think we still see Davison get a bit of run. I'm more interested in seeing players like Tradarian Ball and Da'Jaun Riggs, watching how they can operate in this offense.
Other Names to Know: Kendre Harrison / Markus Dixon
Analysis: Oregon projects to have one of the best TE rooms in the nation next year, led by Jamari Johnson, who really came on as an impact player at the end of this season. With the addition of 2025 5-star TE Andrew Olesh and 2026 5-star TE Kendre Harrison, there is no shortage of talent in this room.
Analysis: The WR depth chart at each spot has gotten a bit tricky to predict, seeing as WR coach Ross Douglas recently said that the room is playing "positionless football" and they aren't worried about who plays X, Y, or Z. Instead, they will rotate guys around and make sure the best are on the field as much as possible. Still, I predict that Dakorien Moore will be among the top options out wide, along with Evan Stewart and Gatlin Bair.
Analysis: Again, it's tough to predict this position exactly with as much as players are going to rotate around, but it feels safe to assume that you are going to see a lot of Jeremiah McClellan, Dakorien Moore, and Evan Stewart in this spot.
Analysis: The slot is going to see a lot of rotation like the outside positions, but I expect it to look a little different, primarily with UAB transfer Iverson Hooks getting into the mix more. Since Tez Johnson left, Oregon hasn't really had a similar weapon in the slot. Gary Bryant Jr. did a fine job in that role this past year, but he also dealt with injuries for much of the season. In comes Hooks, who appears to be cut from the same cloth as Tez — an undersized player with great yards after the catch ability, and elite quickness.
Analysis: The left tackle spot will be an interesting one to watch this spring. Fox Crader did well in reserve this year and showed that he can play there. Oregon also has a significant amount of depth at the position, with guys like Ziyarre Addison and incoming freshman Tommy Tofi earning some early buzz as well.
Other Names to Know: Demetri Manning / Tommy Tofi
Analysis: Will it be the young blue-chipper to step up, or the veteran reserve? That's the question between Douglas Utu and Kawika Rogers. My early money is on Utu, because I've been told that he has a high ceiling and is ready to play, but Rogers has been good when leaned on over the last couple of years, and could be ready to step into the starting role. I also think that Tofi could play here, depending on his position versatility.
Other Names to Know: Bryce Boulton / Koloi Keli
Analysis: With Iapani Laloulu returning for his senior season, the Ducks are as strong as just about anyone in the nation at the center position. Behind Poncho, though, we will see what Devin Brooks or Bryce Boulton can provide. With Charlie Pickard gone, the Ducks will have to find their backup center this year.
Analysis: It's not hard to project that Dave Iuli is going to get the starting spot at RG once again next year, after serving there for the 2025 season, but the Ducks also brought in Yale transfer Michael Bennett, who could slot in at guard should he need to. Douglas Utu might move over here as well if Rogers ends up winning the LG spot.
Other Names to Know: Trent Ferguson / Gernorris Wilson
Analysis: The RT spot will be arguably the most interesting to watch on the offensive line next year. While I feel confident that Fox Crader will be the guy at LT, there are any number of players who could take over as the starter at RT. Between Michael Bennett, Gernorris Wilson, Trent Ferguson, Immanuel Iheanacho, Tommy Tofi, or Kawika Rogers, the Ducks will have no shortage of options.