Oregon Ducks 2026 Depth Chart: Projected Starters

The wait is finally over. Oregon football is back, and the Ducks are soaring with a No. 3 preseason ranking - their highest since 2015. Dan Lanning’s squad is stacked, hungry, and ready to shake up the Big Ten. But before the season’s fury begins, there’s one question burning in every fan’s mind: Who’s first on the field? Let’s dive into the verified depth chart projections for Oregon’s opener against Montana State at Autzen Stadium.

The Offense: Moore’s Machine

Dante Moore is the guy under center. Lanning made that clear on August 18, naming the senior starter for the opener. Moore sat, learned, and waited behind Dillon Gabriel last year. Now, it’s his moment to unleash that cannon arm and prove the hype from his UCLA days was real. He’ll lean on a seasoned backfield and a veteran receiving corps to carry the load.

Jordan James is the workhorse. After racking up over 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2024, the senior back is the undisputed RB1. He’s a physical, downhill runner who grinds defenses into dust by the fourth quarter. Behind him, a fierce battle brews between true freshman sensation Jonah Williams and junior Noah Whittington - but the starting nod goes to James, no hesitation.

Out wide, the Ducks are loaded. Evan Stewart leads as the primary boundary threat, fresh off a 46-catch season. Opposite him, Traeshon Holden brings veteran savvy and a big-play mentality. Together, they give Moore explosive options on the outside, while tight ends and slot receivers serve as reliable safety valves.

📊 1,049 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns - Jordan James proved himself as one of the nation's most reliable backs in 2024, and he's only gotten better.

Up front, the offensive line is anchored by one of the nation’s best: Josh Conerly Jr. at left tackle. Named to the Outland Trophy watch list on August 1, Conerly is the blind-side protector Moore needs. Marcus Harper II holds down left guard, while Iapani Laloulu - who shifted between guard and center during spring - has locked back into the starting center spot as of August 22. This unit is battle-tested and primed to open running lanes while keeping Moore upright.

The Defense: Relentless Up Front

Oregon’s defense is shaping up to be a quarterback’s nightmare, starting with Matayo Uiagalelei at the Jack/edge position. Coming off a breakout 5.5-sack season, the junior is a menace off the edge. He’s not just a pass-rusher; he sets the edge against the run like a seasoned pro. Next to him, Michigan State transfer Derrick Harmon brings interior disruption. He posted 45 tackles and 4.5 sacks last season - expect him to wreak havoc in the backfield all year.

At MIKE linebacker, Jestin Jacobs is back and healthy. After being limited by a foot injury in 2024, the senior is ready to reassert himself as one of the conference’s top defenders. His instincts and sideline-to-sideline speed will anchor the middle of this defense.