Oregon Ducks Retain Key Defensive Starters, Quarterback to Stay in Title Hunt

The Ducks made three key offseason moves to position themselves for a national championship run in 2026.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 8:39am

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The Oregon Ducks were one game away from reaching the College Football Playoff championship this past season. Over the offseason, the Ducks have made several moves to try and position themselves to be back in the hunt for a national championship in 2026, including retaining all four starters on the defensive line, keeping star quarterback Dante Moore from entering the 2026 NFL Draft, and promoting from within to fill their offensive and defensive coordinator positions.

Why it matters

Retaining the core of their defensive line, led by standouts Matayo Uiagalelei and A'Mauri Washington, gives the Ducks a strong foundation on that side of the ball. Keeping Dante Moore, a potential top draft pick, at quarterback provides Oregon with a Heisman Trophy contender and one of the best passing attacks in the country. And promoting from within for the coordinator positions maintains continuity and familiarity within the coaching staff.

The details

The Ducks were able to hold onto all four starters along the defensive line - Matayo Uiagalelei, A'Mauri Washington, Teitum Tuioti, and Bear Alexander - despite the group being considered potential high draft picks. On offense, star quarterback Dante Moore decided to return to Eugene for his junior season after leading the Ducks to the College Football Playoff semifinals. Oregon also promoted tight ends coach Drew Mehringer to offensive coordinator and defensive backs coach Chris Hampton to defensive coordinator after their previous coordinators took head coaching jobs elsewhere.

  • In November 2023, the Ducks defeated Arizona State.
  • On January 9, 2026, Oregon lost to Indiana in the Peach Bowl and College Football Playoff semifinal.
  • On January 14, 2026, Dante Moore announced he would return to Oregon for his junior season.

The players

Matayo Uiagalelei

A defensive lineman for the Oregon Ducks who was considered a potential high draft pick before deciding to return to school for the 2026 season.

A'Mauri Washington

A defensive lineman for the Oregon Ducks who was considered a potential high draft pick before deciding to return to school for the 2026 season.

Dante Moore

The starting quarterback for the Oregon Ducks who decided to return to school for his junior season in 2026 instead of entering the NFL Draft.

Drew Mehringer

The tight ends coach for the Oregon Ducks who was promoted to offensive coordinator for the 2026 season.

Chris Hampton

The defensive backs coach for the Oregon Ducks who was promoted to defensive coordinator for the 2026 season.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.