Oregon Ducks Loaded with 14 Returning Starters for 2026 Season

Ducks' defense and star QB Dante Moore key to high expectations next year

Mar. 21, 2026 at 10:09pm

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The Oregon Ducks will enter the 2026 college football season with 14 starters returning from the previous year, tying them with Georgia, Oklahoma, and Notre Dame for the most returning starters in the country. The strength of the Ducks will be on the defensive side of the ball, with the entire starting defensive line coming back, led by tackle Bear Alexander and edge rusher Matayo Uiagalelei. In the secondary, cornerback Brandon Finney Jr. is also returning after a strong 2025 campaign. On offense, the Ducks will be led by quarterback Dante Moore, who opted to return to Eugene for his senior season instead of entering the NFL Draft, where he was projected to be an early pick.

Why it matters

With 14 starters back, the Ducks are poised to be one of the top teams in the country next season. Their experienced defense should be among the best in school history, while the return of Moore at quarterback gives them a Heisman Trophy contender leading the offense. This combination of talent and experience has led to sky-high expectations for Oregon heading into 2026.

The details

The Ducks' defensive line will be anchored by tackle Bear Alexander and A'mauri Washington, with edge rushers Teitum Tuioti and Matayo Uiagalelei also returning. Uiagalelei had 10.5 sacks in 2024 before dipping to 6 in 2025. In the secondary, cornerback Brandon Finney Jr. had 3 interceptions and 8 pass breakups last season. On offense, the Ducks will have quarterback Dante Moore back after he opted to return for his senior year instead of entering the NFL Draft. Moore will be snapping the ball to center Iapani Laloulu, who earned All-Big Ten honors in 2024. Outside linebacker Nasir Wyatt is another key returner after making some big plays in 2025.

  • The Ducks will open the 2026 season in September.

The players

Bear Alexander

Defensive tackle who anchors the Ducks' experienced defensive line.

Matayo Uiagalelei

Edge rusher who led the Big Ten in sacks with 10.5 in 2024 before dipping to 6 in 2025.

Brandon Finney Jr.

Cornerback who had 3 interceptions and 8 pass breakups for the Ducks in 2025.

Dante Moore

Quarterback who opted to return to Oregon for his senior season instead of entering the NFL Draft, where he was projected to be an early pick.

Iapani Laloulu

Center who earned All-Big Ten honors in 2024 and will anchor the Ducks' offensive line.

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What they’re saying

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

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

With 14 starters returning, including an experienced defensive line, a lockdown cornerback, and a Heisman-contending quarterback, the Oregon Ducks are poised to be one of the top teams in the country next season and make a run at the College Football Playoff.