The Oregon Ducks are rounding into form, and with just one week of "fall camp" left and two weeks until the first game of the regular season, we're starting to get a clearer picture of what things will look like in 2026.
The Ducks hosted their second and final scrimmage of camp over the weekend, giving coaches and players a better sense of who will be relied on this season and how the pieces will fit when snaps start mattering most in September.
While we can't see any of the practices or scrimmages during camp, talking to the coaches and players afterward gives us a chance to see where things stand as the focus shifts to Boise State in Week 1.
Over the past two weeks, we've put out depth chart projections based on what we were hearing in fall camp.
This 3.0 version may have seen the biggest changes yet, as spots are starting to settle and difference-makers are being identified. While only a handful of starting jobs may have changed in our minds, we're seeing some movement in the second and third levels with just a few days left before prep for the Broncos begins.
Let's dive into the 3.0 version of our depth chart.
Quarterback
Projected Starter: Dante Moore
Other Names to Know: Dylan Raiola, Akili Smith Jr., Brock Thomas
Changes from 2.0: Moved Akili Smith Jr. up
Analysis: At this point, I think we need to stop ignoring the buzz that we've been hearing about Akili Smith Jr. Do I think he is going to push Dante Moore for the QB1 spot? Absolutely not. I don't even project that he will be the backup QB in a competitive game. However, we've heard endlessly about the leap he's taken this offseason, and the improvement both on the field and in the film room. Before fall camp, I ranked KJ below Dylan Raiola and Brock Thomas. I now think that he is right there with them, and may even be ahead of Thomas because of his physical attributes.
Running Back
Projected Starter: Jordon Davison OR Dierre Hill
Other Names to Know: Da'Jaun Riggs, Brandon Smith, Simeon Price, Tradarian Ball
Changes from 2.0: Moved Brandon Smith up
Analysis: Much like with Akili Smith Jr., it's getting pretty hard to ignore the buzz we have been hearing about true freshman RB Brandon Smith. I came into fall camp thinking Tradarian Ball would be the new guy to turn heads, but so far, Smith seems to be stealing the show, and I think he'll get some legitimate run early in the season. I don't foresee him taking snaps from either of the starters, or even someone like Da'Jaun Riggs, but don't be surprised to see some September production from this freshman.
Wide Receiver
Z Position
Projected Starter: Dakorien Moore
Other Names to Know: Messiah Hampton, Jalen Lott
Changes from 2.0: Move Messiah Hampton up
Analysis: The more we talk to players and coaches, the harder it becomes to project where each of these wide receivers will line up. I think at the top, we have Dakorien Moore, Evan Stewart, and Jeremiah McClellan, but who occupies the X, Y, or Z, is up in the air right now. I have been impressed with what we've heard about Messiah Hampton so far through camp, though, and think he could be in that WR4 or WR5 mix early on this year.
X Position
Projected Starter: Jeremiah McClellan
Other Names to Know: Gatlin Bair, Jalen Lott
Changes from 2.0: None
Analysis: It's not listed as a change from last week's projection, but I'm starting to feel quite a bit more confident about Gatlin Bair. After shaking the rust off from his two-year mission in spring, it sounds like things are really starting to click for the 5-star freshman, and he's making plays out there. I think we see him quite a bit more than I originally expected.
A/Slot Position
Projected Starter: Evan Stewart
Other Names to Know: Iverson Hooks, Messiah Hampton
Changes from 2.0: Swapped Hudson Lewis for Messiah Hampton
Analysis: There was some early buzz in fall camp about Hudson Lewis, but I haven't heard much as of late. However, I wrote earlier about the hype surrounding Hampton, who continues to pop up as a name to watch this fall. I think he could find some work inside at the slot quite a bit this year.
Tight End
Projected Starter: Jamari Johnson
Other Names to Know: Kendre Harrison, Markus Dixon, Andrew Olesh
Changes from 2.0: None
Analysis: Much like the QB position, the depth chart at TE is pretty clear. Jamari Johnson is the starter. The question is who is his backup. Right now, my money would be on freshman Kendre Harrison, but Andrew Olesh could give him a run. I think Markus Dixon is going to get a large number of snaps, but probably in heavier, 12-personnel looks where blocking is key. From what I hear, Harrison and Dixon have separated here.
Offensive Line
Left Tackle
Projected Starter: Fox Crader
Other Names to Know: Ziyarre Addison, Gernorris Wilson, Tommy Tofi
Changes from 2.0: Added Tommy Tofi
Analysis: I think that Fox Crader has this starting job, but the competition behind him has heated up a bit. A lot of buzz has been emerging about Tommy Tofi working at LT, while other players like Ziyarre Addison and Gernorris Wilson continue to get a lot of work as well. Should they need to go to an LT2, I honestly don't know where they would land, but I think those three are all in the mix.
Left Guard
Projected Starter: Douglas Utu
Other Names to Know: Kawika Rogers, Ziyarre Addison
Changes from 2.0: Flipped Utu and Rogers, added Addison
Analysis: I've been back and forth between Utu and Rogers a couple of times so far this fall, but I think I'm getting pretty close to locking things down with Utu. He has long been one of the favorites to earn a starting job, and while Rogers has done a really good job pushing him and competing for a starting spot, I think Utu gets it done. I also added Ziyarre Addison to the list here, as he's been working quite a bit at the LG spot as well.
Center
Projected Starter: Iapani Laloulu
Other Names to Know: Dave Iuli, Devin Brooks, Kawika Rogers
Changes from 2.0: Added Rogers
Analysis: If Dave Iuli is fully healthy, then I think he will end up being the backup center, should anything happen to Poncho. If that isn't the case, though, I think Devin Brooks can be the guy. I also added Rogers to the list as he's been taking some reps here.
Right Guard
Projected Starter: Tommy Tofi
Other Names to Know: Dave Iuli, Kawika Rogers, Michael Bennett
Changes from 2.0: Flipped Tofi and Iuli
Analysis: This week's projection has seen the biggest changes on the offensive line, for sure. I'm predicting a flip at starting right guard, with freshman Tommy Tofi, previously my projected starting RT, shifting inside to starting RG. I've got a new starting RT, but we will get to that later. I think that Dave Iuli can absolutely win this starting spot, but with the offseason injury and a limited role coming back this fall, I project the freshman takes the job by Week 1.
Right Tackle
Projected Starter: Ziyarre Addison OR Gernorris Wilson
Other Names to Know: Tommy Tofi, Michael Bennett, Immanuel Iheanacho
Changes from 2.0: Flipped Addison and Tofi, added Wilson
Analysis: The buzz surrounding both Ziyarre Addison and Gernorris Wilson is what led me to move Tofi inside to guard and start him there. I've been hearing great things about Addison and Wilson, both of whom have been pushing incredibly hard this fall and are making strong cases to get into that starting lineup. So long as the coaching staff is comfortable moving Tofi inside — something that has to happen in order for this move to make sense — then I think Addison or Wilson gets the starting RT spot, and the other finds rotational work.
Defensive Line
Nose Tackle
Projected Starter: Bear Alexander OR Matthew Johnson
Other Names to Know: D'Antre Robinson
Changes from 2.0: Moved up Matthew Johnson
Analysis: I'm becoming increasingly convinced that Matthew Johnson is going to be a major part of this defensive line, and while he may not technically run out and take the first snap of the year, I do think he is in on the first third down of the year, rushing the passer. Both players are very good and serve different roles. I think it's fair to treat both as starters at this point.
Defensive Tackle
Projected Starter: A'Mauri Washington
Other Names to Know: Aydin Breland, Tank Jones
Changes from 2.0: None
Analysis: No changes to this order, but I am increasingly excited to see what Tank Jones brings as a true freshman. He is up to 300 pounds (approximately 50 pounds heavier than when he arrived) and is capable of moving inside to the tackle spot. I think he could have a big year for the Ducks.
Edge Rusher
Defensive End
Projected Starter: Matayo Uiagalelei
Other Names to Know: Elijah Rushing, Dutch Horisk, Bleu Dantzler
Changes from 2.0: Removed Tank Jones
Analysis: As previously mentioned, I think Tank Jones is going to have a much bigger impact inside on the defensive line, rather than outside on the edge. He may still surprise us and show some impressive pass-rushing off the edge at 300 pounds, but as of now, I think he will be more inside.
Jack Linebacker
Projected Starter: Teitum Tuioti
Other Names to Know: Elijah Rushing, Dutch Horisk
Changes from 2.0: Removed Tank Jones
Analysis: *See Defensive End Analysis*
Strong-side linebacker
Projected Starter: Nasir Wyatt
Other Names to Know: Bleu Dantzler
Changes from 2.0: None
Analysis: One of the most intriguing players on the roster this year is Nasir Wyatt, who had a great freshman season, but in very limited snaps. Now with a bigger role, how good can he be? I also want to see what Oregon State transfer Bleu Dantzler can do after having a breakout spring game.
Linebacker
Mac Linebacker
Projected Starter: Jerry Mixon
Other Names to Know: Gavin Nix, Dylan Williams
Changes from 2.0: None
Analysis: Linebacker is one of the more interesting groups this offseason. Jerry Mixon comes back, and I think he should be a great player in the middle of the defense. The depth behind him is a bit of a question, though, with Gavin Nix and Dylan Williams needing to step up.
Money Linebacker
Projected Starter: Devon Jackson
Other Names to Know: Gavin Nix, Nasir Wyatt
Changes from 2.0: None
Analysis: No changes at the LB spot this week. I think we pretty much know what we're going to get here, other than the wrinkle of potentially seeing Nasir Wyatt play a bit inside and bring that athleticism alongside Mixon.
Cornerback
Field Cornerback
Projected Starter: Brandon Finney
Other Names to Know: Na'eem Offord, Ify Obidegwu, Aaron Scott Jr., Dorian Brew
Changes from 2.0: Added Ify Obidegwu
Analysis: The cornerback spot has drawn a lot of intrigue so far, and I think it's one of the most interesting position battles on the roster during this final week of fall camp. On one side, though, I am fully convinced that Brandon Finney will once again be the starter and Oregon's CB1 in 2026. That much, we know.
Boundary Cornerback
Projected Starter: Na'eem Offord OR Ify Obidegwu
Other Names to Know: Dorian Brew, Aaron Scott Jr.
Changes from 2.0: Moved Na'eem Offord up
Analysis: At this point, it is truly a toss-up for me at the CB2 spot alongside Finney. Na'eem Offord has done an incredible job of pushing Ify Obidgwu, the starter from last year, and at this point, I think I might give him the slight edge. However, it wouldn't surprise me to see either player run out there for the first snap on September 5.
Safety
Field Safety
Projected Starter: Koi Perich
Other Names to Know: Trey McNutt, Peyton Woodyard
Changes from 2.0: None
Analysis: The biggest transfer of the year for Oregon was Minnesota safety Koi Perich, who will step into a deep safety role and be the center fielder that Oregon has needed for quite some time. I think we also see Trey McNutt vie for this position as well, now that he is back and healthy. Woodyard is going to have a big year, and he's been getting a ton of mention this fall.
Boundary Safety
Projected Starter: Aaron Flowers
Other Names to Know: Peyton Woodyard, Trey McNutt
Changes from 2.0: None
Analysis: There is no listed change here, but I think that Woodyard is pushing Flowers hard for that starting spot. Oregon has a very healthy room of talented safeties, and I think we might see quite a bit of rotation when all is said and done.
Nickel/Star
Projected Starter: Davon Benjamin
Other Names to Know: Carl Williams IV, Peyton Woodyard, Na'eem Offord
Changes from 2.0: Flipped Woodyard and Benjamin
Analysis: This is another position where I've struggled to nail down a starter, but I feel like I'm close to locking Benjamin down as the starter. I think his biggest competition is Carl Williams IV, and maybe Woodyard if they are looking to get their best 11 on the field, but at this point, the buzz around true freshman Benjamin seems as strong as it has been all year.
Contact/Follow @Ducks_Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinions.
This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Oregon Ducks projected depth chart entering final week of fall camp
