Oregon Ducks Center Iapani Laloulu Discusses Offensive Line Transition

The veteran center talks about the changes to the unit and their goal of winning the Joe Moore Award.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 10:05pm by Ben Kaplan

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Oregon Ducks center Iapani 'Poncho' Laloulu spoke to the media about the changes to the team's offensive line this offseason. While the unit lost several starters, Laloulu is embracing a leadership role to help integrate the new players. The Ducks have been finalists for the Joe Moore Award, given to the nation's best offensive line, for the past three seasons, and Laloulu says they have their sights set on winning it this year.

Why it matters

The Oregon offensive line has been one of the team's strengths in recent years, and Laloulu's leadership will be crucial as they look to maintain that level of play despite significant personnel changes. The Ducks' ability to win the Joe Moore Award would further cement their status as one of the top offensive line units in college football.

The details

Laloulu, who was a Rimington Trophy finalist in 2025, said he's used to the starting offensive line changing over his four years at Oregon. He's taking on a bigger leadership role to help integrate the new players, whether they are freshmen or transfers, and get the group on the same page. Along with Laloulu, right guard Dave Iuli is the only other returning starter, as the Ducks lost guard Emmanuel Pregnon and tackles Isaiah World and Alex Harkey to the NFL Draft.

  • Laloulu spoke to the media following the resumption of the team's spring practices on Tuesday.
  • The Ducks finished as a finalist for the Joe Moore Award, given to the nation's best offensive line, for the third straight season in 2025.

The players

Iapani 'Poncho' Laloulu

The veteran center for the Oregon Ducks, who was a Rimington Trophy finalist in 2025 and is looking to lead the offensive line to a Joe Moore Award this season.

Dave Iuli

The returning starting right guard for the Oregon Ducks, who is one of the few experienced players back on the offensive line.

Emmanuel Pregnon

A former starting guard for the Oregon Ducks who left for the NFL Draft after the 2025 season.

Isaiah World

A former starting offensive tackle for the Oregon Ducks who left for the NFL Draft after the 2025 season.

Alex Harkey

A former starting offensive tackle for the Oregon Ducks who left for the NFL Draft after the 2025 season.

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What they’re saying

“I've been here for the past four years, and just getting used to different groups as time goes by. For me, just to step up and kind of be that dude in that void to fill that gap and connect for the guys, get those guys that's coming in. Whether they're freshmen, transfer, trying to get them on board.”

— Iapani Laloulu, Oregon Ducks Center

“And other guys that involved in that, too. You got Kawika Rogers, Dave Iuli, all those other guys who've been here as well, just trying to connect all those guys on another level. And obviously, we want to get the Joe Moore.”

— Iapani Laloulu, Oregon Ducks Center

“Those losses for me just really learning a lesson. For me, you just got to learn and go back and watch film, see what we did wrong and what we did good, and learn from that situation. You're not going to grow if you can't learn from those situations.”

— Iapani Laloulu, Oregon Ducks Center

“You can't connect on the field if you're not doing anything off the field.”

— Iapani Laloulu, Oregon Ducks Center

What’s next

The Oregon Ducks will continue their spring practices as they look to integrate the new players on the offensive line and work towards their goal of winning the Joe Moore Award.

The takeaway

Iapani Laloulu's leadership and experience will be crucial for the Oregon Ducks as they look to maintain their status as one of the top offensive line units in college football despite significant personnel changes. The Ducks' ability to win the prestigious Joe Moore Award would further cement their reputation.