RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 2 sourcesRepetition matters in college football, helping great players grow beyond their talent alone. Experience can trump talent in many aspects on Saturdays, and that's a lesson Oregon Ducks coach Dan Lanning is taking into the 2026 season.
Oregon has built a loaded roster for the 2026 season, and there are certainly expectations of a national championship in Eugene. Lanning isn't shying away from those thoughts, but every year, the team is different, no matter how many players return.
Dante Moore is the most important returner, turning down a top-five selection in the 2026 NFL Draft for another season under center with the Ducks . Along with Moore, the Ducks return a host of talented weapons, including Evan Stewart and Dakorien Moore , as well as a veteran and elite defensive line.
Talent is one thing, but even young playmakers like Jordon Davison, Dierre Hill Jr. and Brandon Finney Jr. have some experience to work with now. Knowing what to expect in the biggest moments is vital, and Lanning sees that as a massive difference for the Ducks' roster this season.
"Obviously, we have some great returning players that have been big contributors to our program," Lanning said at Big Ten media days. "One thing that I recognize is last year I felt like we had a team that had a ton of talent. This year, I feel like we have a team that has a lot of experience returning. A lot of those young players that played are now guys that have also had great experience, and I'm excited to see what that looks like.”
That returning production and experience could help the Ducks get over the hump this season after disappointing losses to Ohio State and Indiana in the College Football Playoff in consecutive seasons. Lanning is working with a pair of new coordinators in Drew Mehringer and Chris Hampton, but the experience his roster has could offset some of the growing pains the team might have to ultimately reach their goal.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Dan Lanning describes biggest difference with new Oregon Ducks roster
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