The Oregon Ducks have had some special teams over the years, dating all the way back to the early 2000's under Mike Bellotti, with Joey Harrington or Dennis Dixon at the helm. They've been in the championship mix before, and had the weight of expectation thrust upon their shoulders numerous times before.
Going into 2026, those expectations seem to be a bit heavier than we've seen in quite some time.
With so many veteran players back for another year, the Ducks have legitimate national championship aspirations this year, and we're seeing that when looking at preseason polls ahead of the season. Over the weekend, the 2026 Preseason FWAA-NFF Super 16 Rankings came out, where Oregon ranked higher than they ever have before, landing at No. 2, just
behind the Ohio State Buckeyes.
The Ducks' previous highest preseason ranking in the FWAA-NFF Super 16 was No. 4, back in 2024.
This isn't an outlier number, though. Oregon landed at No. 2 in the US LBM Coaches Poll earlier this month, and there is an expectation that they rank among the top 5 in the Associated Press Top 25 next week when it is released as well.
Dante Moore leads the way as one of the favorites to win the Heisman Trophy, and Oregon players are scattered throughout various preseason awards watch lists going into the year. It appears that everything is lining up for a potentially historic season in Eugene.
Now let's hope the rest of August flies by so we can stop talking about it and get into the football once and for all.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Oregon Ducks earn highest preseason ranking in FWAA-NFF Super 16 poll
