A prediction of what the Oregon Ducks' offensive depth chart will look like for Week 1 against the Montana State Bobcats.
At long last, we've finally made it. College football season is here.
While a slate of Week 0 games took place over the weekend, Dan Lanning and the Oregon Ducks now officially enter their first game week of the season, preparing for the Montana State Bobcats to come to Eugene on August 30 and kick off the 2025 campaign.
We've spent weeks upon months preparing for this time to come, following the team throughout spring and fall camp and watching closely as the roster was molded. With just four returning starters from a year ago, the youth on this team has been the major story to follow, and trying to predict who will start where and which players will take over as impact players has been more difficult than usual.
That hasn't stopped us from trying, though. After spring ball and before fall camp, we projected what the depth chart looked like on both sides of the line of scrimmage. Now, with game week here, we have our best idea yet as to who will line up with the starters and who will get into the rotation throughout each contest.
Here is our prediction for the offensive side of the ball:
Quaterback
- Starter: Dante Moore
- Backup: Austin Novosad
- Other Names to Know: Luke Moga
Analysis: Dante Moore has this starting job locked down, and I think that may have been the case for the duration of fall camp. While Moore will get the start, the staff feels very good about what they have with Austin Novosad and feels confident that they can win a lot of games with him under center as well.
Running Back
- Starter: Makhi Hughes
- Backup: Noah Whittington
- Other Names to Know: Dink Riggs/Jayden Limar/Dierrre Hill
Analysis: I've got Tulane transfer Makhi Hughes as the RB1 for Oregon, but I think we see a pretty even RB split with him and Noah Whittington, with just like Dink Riggs, Jayden Limar, and Dierre Hill getting a look as well.
Wide Receiver (X)
- Starter: Malik Benson
- Backup: Jeremiah McClellan
- Other Names to Know: Kyler Kasper
Analysis: This is one of the positions that is the most unknown at this point for Oregon, but I think Florida State transfer Malik Benson gets the nod to start the season. There will be a heavy rotation, though, with Jeremiah McClelland and Kyler Kasper working in and getting a lot of reps as well.
Wide Receiver (Z)
- Starter: Dakorien Moore
- Backup: Dillon Gresham
- Other Names to Know: Justius Lowe
Analysis: Dakorien Moore might be a true freshman, but it appears the Ducks might struggle to keep him off the field. While Moore appears to have a starting spot locked up, there has been a lot of positive buzz around Dillon Gresham here as well.
Wide Receiver (Y/Slot)
- Starter: Gary Bryant Jr.
- Backup: Justius Lowe
- Other Names to Know: Cooper Perry
Analysis: There are a number of players who might take over in the slot. One player who has gotten a ton of buzz during fall camp is Gary Bryant Jr., who is said to be the leader of this room. I think he gets an early nod, but watch out for Justius Lowe, who is among the best blockers on the team.
Tight End
- Starter: Kenyon Sadiq
- Backup: Jamari Johnson
- Other Names to Know: Roger Saleapaga
Analysis: Kenyon Sadiq is undoubtedly the starter, but what will be interesting to see is how much Jamari Johnson and Roger Saleapaga figure in the rotation as well. Oregon could very well have three above-the-line tight ends, which could lead them to go 12- or 13-personnel more.
Left Tackle
- Starter: Isaiah World
- Backup: Gernorris Wilson
- Other Names to Know: Fox Crader
Analysis: Isaiah World will definitely be the starter at the LT position, but who steps in behind him will be interesting to watch. It could be Gernorris Wilson or Fox Crader.
Left Guard
- Starter: Emmanuel Pregnon
- Backup: Dave Iuli
- Other Names to Know: Kawika Rogers/Douglas Utu
Analysis: Much like the LT spot, Emmanuel Pregnon should be the starter at LG. Kawika Rogers is also in the mix after spending time there in the spring game.
Center
- Starter: Iapani Laloulu
- Backup: Dave Iuli
- Other Names to Know: Matthew Bedford/Charlie Pickard
Analysis: Iapani Laloulu took over as the starting center as a true sophomore in 2024, so there is no reason to believe that he will not be the guy in 2025. The staff has also been working both Dave Iuli and Matthew Bedford into this spot as backup options, and then you have walk-on Charlie Pickard, who can play as well.
Right Guard
- Starter: Matthew Bedford
- Backup: Dave Iuli
- Other Names to Know: Douglas Utu
Analysis: Right guard is one of the spots where there is a real battle for the starting spot. This one is between Matthew Bedford and Dave Iuli. Behind them, there are several guys who can slot in, but I like Douglas Utu for the No. 3 spot. Right now, I have Bedford as the starter.
Right Tackle
- Starter: Alex Harkey
- Backup: Gernorris Wilson
- Other Names to Know: Trent Ferguson
Analysis: It appears Alex Harkey is going to be the guy at RT this year, though I still think Gernorris Wilson can challenge him for that starting spot throughout the season.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Oregon Ducks' offensive depth chart prediction for Week 1
Category: General Sports
