Issuu

THURSDAY, SEPT. 3, 2026

OREGON vs. BOISE STATE

YES,THERE’S

MOORE! A look into Oregon’s merchandise campaign backing Dante Moore.

OREGON VS BOISE STATE PREVIEW PG. 4 A L O O K A H E A D A T T H E 2 0 2 6 G A ME S C H E D U L E P G . 7 EVAN STEWART IS READY TO REIGNITE OREGON’S OFFENSE PG. 9

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GAMEDAY

THURSDAY, SEPT. 3, 2026

GAMEDAY

GAMEDAY GAMEDAY, The Daily Emerald’s football edition, is published by Emerald Media Group, Inc., the independent nonprofit news company at the University of Oregon founded in 1900. EMERALD MEDIA GROUP 1395 University St., rm. 302 Eugene, OR 97403 541.346.5511 | dailyemerald.com

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EDITOR IN CHIEF Eva Andrews

PRINT MANAGING EDITOR Ty Tilden SPORTS EDITORS Joe Krasnowski Henry Light COPY CHIEF Lucy Forest SPORTS WRITERS Jonah Furino Max Koebel Bel Perez Rowan Shea Cadence Wooden PHOTOGRAPHERS Miles Cull Anna Liv Myklebust Roshni Ram Saj Sundaram Jonathan Suni

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PRESIDENT & PUBLISHER Eric Henry x317

VICE PRESIDENT, OPERATIONS Kathy Carbone x302 CREATIVE & TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Anna Smith x327

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PHOTO EDITOR Katie Poluyanksy VISUALS EDITOR Sofia Campbell DESIGN EDITOR Asha Mohan

(ON THE COVER) Starting quarterback Dante Moore (5) warms up his throws during halftime. The No. 7 University of Oregon Ducks took on the No. 15 USC Trojans in a game at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. on Nov. 22, 2025. The Ducks won the game 42-27. (Katie Poluyansky/Emerald)

(RIGHT) Oregon Ducks line up at the line of scrimmage in front of a packed Autzen Stadium during the Ducks’ Spring Game on April 25, 2026. The Combat Ducks claimed victory in the annual spring game matchup. (Roshni Ram/Emerald)

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GAMEDAY

THURSDAY, SEPT. 3, 2026

OREGON VS. BOISE STATE PREVIEW The Ducks will kick off the 2026 season opposite a team with a surprisingly successful track record against them. By Max Koebel Senior Sports Writer

No. 2 Oregon begins its 2026 season at home against the Boise State University Broncos. If this game seems like it will be an easy win, you might want to think again. The Ducks don’t have a lot of history against Boise State, but the little they do have does not favor them. The two teams have played each other four times dating back to 2008, and the Broncos are 3-1 in those matchups. Oregon finally got its first win against Boise State in 2024, when it scored a last-second go-ahead field goal to escape the upset scare. The Broncos will be led by redshirt senior quarterback Maddux Madsen, who has spent his entire career in Boise. Last season, he completed 176/302 of his passes for 2,334 yards. He threw for 18 touchdowns and nine interceptions while rushing for 81 yards and four touchdowns on 57 carries. Boise State’s running game will be led by junior running back Dylan Riley, who led the team last year with 195 carries for 1,125 yards and 10 touchdowns. He will be accompanied by sophomore Sire Gaines, who finished last season with 161 carries for 811 yards and eight touchdowns. The wide receiver room for the Broncos will look different this year with their top three receivers from last year either graduating or entering the transfer portal. Junior Cameron Bates will likely be a top target for Madsen. He caught 17 passes last year for 302 yards and scored one touchdown. Senior Ben Ford will also be a reliable option with experience on the team. He had 21 receptions for 325 yards last season and scored five touchdowns. Boise State also acquired senior Darren Morris from the transfer portal, who will likely play major roles on its offense. Morris

had 27 receptions for 508 yards and four touchdowns last season at Southern University. Boise State has been led by head coach Spencer Danielson since 2023. Danielson was first hired as a graduate assistant coach in 2017. He became co-defensive coordinator in 2018 and defensive coordinator in 2021 before being promoted to head coach in November of 2023. The Broncos are 24-8 with Danielson at the helm. He was head coach for the final three games of the regular season in 2023, when Boise State won out before losing in the LA Bowl to UCLA. In his first full season as head coach, the Broncos went 11-1 in the regular season, losing only to the Ducks, and won the Mountain West before losing to Penn State in the Fiesta Bowl. Last season, they saw a slight decline, finishing the regular season 8-4, but still won their second straight Mountain West Championship before losing to Washington in the LA Bowl. This will be the first time Oregon opens the season against an FBS opponent since 2022, when it played the University of Georgia in the Chick-Fil-A Kickoff Game and lost 49-3. Last season’s Week 2 win against Oklahoma State University was the first time under head coach Dan Lanning that the first FBS opponent the Ducks faced was not at least within one score of taking the lead in the final minute of the game. Oregon enters this season with its highest preseason ranking in program history at No. 2, and will once again have its eyes on a National Championship. That road begins with Boise State. This early test will help determine where the Ducks stand as they kick off a season with the highest of hopes.

2025 TEAM STATS VS.

13-2

9-5

2025 RECORD

36.9 PPG

29.9 PPG

2025 SCORING OFFENSE

17.9 PPG

24.1 PPG

2025 SCORING DEFENSE

452.2 YPG

424.0 YPG

2025 TOTAL OFFENSE

273.7 YPG

337.6 YPG

2025 TOTAL DEFENSE *Statistics sourced from Oregon Athletics (ABOVE) The Ducks’ defensive line makes space for Dillion Gabriel (8) to get past the Broncos. The University of Oregon Ducks defeated the Boise State Broncos 37-34 on Sept. 7, 2024, making a kick two seconds before the start of overtime. (Miles Cull/Emerald) (LEFT) Traeshon Holden (1), slips past Kaonohi Kaniho to score a touchdown. The University of Oregon Ducks defeated the Boise State Broncos 37-34 on Sept. 7, 2024, making a kick two seconds before the start of overtime. (Miles Cull/Emerald)

THURSDAY, SEPT. 3, 2026

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THURSDAY, SEPT. 3, 2026

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GAMEDAY

PAGE 7

A LOOK AHEAD

Warm welcomes, statement games and one battle for the ages – one label for every game on Oregon’s 2026 slate. By Jonah Furino Sports Writer

The best time of the year in Eugene is here: football season. Oregon’s 2026 football schedule is one to be excited about, with many strong games on the menu. Some games will be a challenge. Others should be more manageable; regardless, fans are in for an exciting season.

Sept. 5 vs. Boise State University A Warm Welcome Back — Eugene, Ore.

Oregon Football kicks off the season with a matchup against Boise State, which shouldn’t pose much of a challenge. The last time Oregon faced off against the Broncos was in the 2024 season, when the Ducks won 37-34, narrowly escaping an early-season loss. However, the Broncos have taken a step back since.

Sept. 12 vs. Oklahoma State University Trap Game — Stillwater, Okla. The first road game of the season shouldn’t come with too many challenges. Key word: shouldn’t. This can easily be a game Oregon overlooks, and it ends up more difficult to put away than it should be. It’s hard to imagine that happening, though, as Dan Lanning has never lost to an unranked opponent during his tenure at Oregon. This should be an easy game for the Ducks. Should be.

Sept. 18 vs. Portland State University An In-State Thrashing — Eugene, Ore.

This one won’t be a fun watch for Portland State fans, as the Ducks will likely have the freedom to experiment a little in this game, and many players will have the opportunity to see the field when they otherwise wouldn’t.

Sept. 26 vs. USC Silence the Haters — Los Angeles, Calif.

Nov. 7 vs. The Ohio State University Clash of the Titans — Columbus, Ohio

This is Oregon’s first opportunity for a true statement game. USC is the preseason No. 14 team in the nation, so it will be no easy task to leave Los Angeles with a win.

It’s only fitting that the preseason No. 1 and No. 2 meet each other somewhere on the schedule. So long as both teams do their jobs and remain undefeated, this will be the game of the season. The No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoffs could be up for grabs here, and the two titans will be on a collision course to meet again in the postseason.

Oct. 10 vs. UCLA Lay-up — Eugene, Ore.

The first home game with all students back in Eugene will certainly feature an electric atmosphere. The Ducks will be coming off a bye week, and UCLA will still be finding their footing under first-year head coach Bob Chesney.

Oct. 17 vs. University of Nebraska Trap Game 2.0 — Eugene, Ore. Nebraska is a slight step-up from UCLA, but still not close to the pedigree of Oregon. They are just good enough to disrupt the Big Ten standings a little, given they consistently finish in the middle of the pack, but not quite good enough to make any real noise.

Oct. 24 vs. University of Illinois You Never Know — Champaign, Ill. After nearly a month-long break from traveling, the Ducks take the road again en route to Illinois. The Fighting Illini will pose a decent threat, looking to improve on their 9-4 record last season, a record that featured a sneaky win over No. 16 USC and a postseason victory over Tennessee.

Oct. 31 vs. Northwestern University The Final Tune-up — Eugene, Ore. A home game on Halloween is a special treat for Duck fans, and luckily it won’t be one they need to stress about. Northwestern typically finishes in the bottom half of the Big Ten, so consider it the final opportunity to reach peak form before the gauntlet begins.

Nov. 14 vs. University of Michigan New Colors, Familiar Faces — Eugene, Ore.

The highest-ranked contest at Autzen this season features a familiar face: Kyle Whittingham. Formerly an old Pac-12 opponent with the Utah Utes, Whittingham has taken over coaching at No. 16 Michigan and now returns to Autzen for the first time as a member of the Big Ten.

Nov. 20 vs. Michigan State University Calm Amidst the Storm — East Lansing, Mich. Playing Ohio State and Michigan back-to-back is not an easy task by any means. The reward is a game against the team that finished 17th in the Big Ten last season with a record of 1-8 in conference play.

Nov. 28 vs. University of Washington Closure — Eugene, Ore.

While the game against Michigan is Oregon’s highest-ranked matchup at Autzen, this rivalry game is certainly more meaningful locally. This is the last regular season game, and without Oregon State on the schedule this year, it’s the only rivalry game we have.

(ABOVE) Fans of the Oregon Ducks sing along to “Shout,” the Ducks third-quarter tradition. The No. 5 University of Oregon Ducks demolished the No. 12 James Madison University Dukes 51-34 in the first round of the College Football Playoff at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore., on Dec. 20, 2025. (Saj Sundaram/Emerald)

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GAMEDAY

THURSDAY, SEPT. 3, 2026

COP THE DUCK OR DROP TO SAVE THE BUCK?

Oregon knows how to bring its fans some fun, unique merchandise, but which of their newest looks are actually worth the price tag? By Cadence Wooden Sports Writer

“Yes, There’s Moore!” This year’s bringing more hype. More coverage. More fans. And definitely more merchandise. This season, Dante Moore is at the center of Ducks of a Feather’s limited-edition “Yes, There’s Moore!” collection, which takes Oregon’s latest Heisman campaign from billboards to closets. But with the T-shirts, hoodies and a keychain hitting the shelves, there’s only one question left: Cop or drop?

features the classic Oregon Duck look, but with Moore’s jersey on and holding a football. So for $30, someone could get a miniature version of Oregon’s No. 5 in duck form. Do you need one? No. Will someone reading this buy one anyway? Absolutely.

Rating: 7.5/10 – COP

The centerpiece and key slogan of Ducks of a Feather’s Moore collection is also probably its easiest piece to recommend if you want to be in on the action. The apple green and yellow design screams Oregon without trying too hard, while the slogan gives it more personality than another shirt with an “O” across the chest. The price is the same as their other T-shirts, but for some this may still be on the more expensive end. But for something tied specifically to Moore and the 2026 season, it feels more memorable than generic Oregon gear. Not to mention, it could be a good investment if Moore receives the Heisman.

Rating: 8.5/10 - COP

This hoodie has something that a lot of the other Oregon gear doesn’t — it has a story. The $95 hoodie connects Oregon’s trip to Japan with the larger Moore campaign, making it feel as though the Oregon fan base made it to Japan with Oregon football and brought home a fun souvenir rather than just a simple sweatshirt. Now, if the goal for fans is to wear merchandise that pops and stands out in Autzen, this probably wouldn’t be the first hoodie they grab. The hoodie is a lighter grey and has a simple design with words on the front and an origami duck on the back. Overall, this item is on the more expensive side, so it could be argued one could get more for their buck by getting the Tokyo-Oregon T-shirt and the Dante Moore keychain for $85 total.

Rating: 7/10 – DROP

Tokyo-Oregon T-shirt - $55 Here’s the, in theory, more financially responsible cop for Oregon fans if they still want a souvenir from Oregon’s campaign. The T-shirt has the same layout and design as the sweatshirt; the only difference is that, rather than repping grey, you’d be repping white. If you’re moving towards the financially responsible route, this shirt could be the perfect addition to your closet.

Rating: 8/10 – COP

Dante Duck Keychain – $30 No question, seeing the price, it seems a little outrageous for a keychain, especially since their other DOAF keychain is only $10. It gives the impression that this should be an automatic drop. But there’s still a chance for it to be a cop due to its redeeming trait of turning Dante Moore into a duck. The keychain

Alongside the Moore-specific drops, Ducks of a Feather’s newest offerings include the “What The?!” tee. This is a fun addition to the brand’s playful approach to Oregon’s reputation for the unexpected. The Dri-FIT cotton helps justify a $45 price tag, and unlike the player-specific merchandise, you can still keep wearing this one long after the 2026 season ends. It may not scream Oregon at first glance, but maybe that’s the point. Sometimes the best Ducks merchandise leaves people asking, “What the?!”

Rating: 8/10 – COP

Tokyo-Oregon Hoodie - $95

“Yes, There’s Moore!” T-shirt – $45

“What The?!” T-shirt - $45

But Oregon’s newest merchandise is about more than deciding what’s worth the money. The Moore collection is the latest chapter in a marketing strategy Oregon has used for more than 25 years. The idea of aggressively marketing their star quarterbacks is something Oregon hardly ever shys away from. Back in 2001, Joey Harrington was placed on a huge billboard across Madison Square Garden. “Joey Heisman” had become one of the defining marketing stunts of Oregon’s rise into the national college football conversation. More than two decades later, Oregon went back and did the same thing for Bo Nix. Because who didn’t want to see a 151-by-90-foot “Bo-Dacious” billboard in Midtown Manhattan in 2023? Now, Oregon has helped Moore’s campaign go international. Before Oregon traveled to Japan for the Tokyo Oregon Football Showcase this summer, Moore appeared on electronic billboards in Tokyo’s Shinjuku district carrying the same message fans can now wear across their chests: “Yes, There’s Moore!” To be fair, there’s a pretty good reason. Quarterbacks tend to dominate modern Heisman conversations, and so far they have produced results for Oregon. They’re also the easiest players to build a national campaign around because of the visibility and attention the position already receives. Harrington and Nix became finalists, while Marcus Mariota became Oregon’s first and only Heisman winner in 2014. Interestingly, Mariota reportedly preferred that Oregon not launch the flashy Heisman campaign, letting his play do most of the advertising instead. Despite these amazing quarterbacks, Oregon still has stars elsewhere. Former Oregon running back LaMichael James finished third in Heisman voting in 2010 after rushing for 1,682 yards and leading the nation in rushing and scoring. While this was a significant moment, people tend to remember the quarterback campaigns that dominate the conversation. This isn’t to say that Oregon hasn’t completely ignored other positions. In 2002, the program put wide receiver Keenan Howry on a massive Times Square billboard. The only difference is that the advertisement promoted Oregon football and its television partnership rather than an individual Heisman campaign. So, will Oregon leap and expand its horizon of position representation? The answer may not be set in stone, but it could be a fun twist to see. For now, though, Moore is the latest quarterback carrying Oregon’s marketing machine. Harrington had “Joey Heisman.” Nix had “Bo-Dacious.” Moore has Tokyo billboards, T-shirts, hoodies and a $30 miniature duck version of himself. Whether “Yes, There’s Moore!” ends with Oregon’s second Heisman Trophy winner won’t be determined by a billboard or a T-shirt. Moore will have to do that on the field. But if he does? At least Oregon fans already have something to wear. Moore will have to do that on the field. But if he does? At least Oregon fans already have something to wear. (Illustrations: Sofia Campbell)

THURSDAY, SEPT. 3, 2026

GAMEDAY

PAGE 9

STARVING FOR SATURDAYS, EVAN STEWART IS READY TO REIGNITE OREGON’S OFFENSE After a knee injury in 2025 forced him off the field, Stewart is hungry for his time back in the game. By Cadence Wooden Sports Writer

“I feel like I’ve been starved of football,” Evan Stewart said. For the past year, though, the distance between him and the football field was out of his control. The fifth-year wide receiver returns in 2026 for one final season in Eugene and his first opportunity to play in a game since the end of 2024. “I’ve never honestly sat from a sport that long ever,” Stewart said. “I’ve never had an injury that recovered that long. So yeah I’m hungry. I’m ready to play.” A torn patellar tendon suffered during the summer of 2025 erased Stewart’s second season at Oregon before it ever began. While the Ducks made another run through the Big Ten and into the College Football Playoff, No. 7 Stewart was left only to watch. Stewart seemed like a key player for Oregon after his first season before the injury abruptly stopped that momentum. He’d arrived at Oregon after two productive seasons at Texas A&M, where he totaled 91 receptions for 1,163 yards and six touchdowns. In his first season as a Duck, he added 48 catches for 613 yards and five touchdowns. Against Ohio State, at Autzen Stadium, Stewart caught seven passes for 149 yards and a touchdown in Oregon’s 32-31 win. On a night when Oregon needed someone to create separation, Stewart did exactly that. It was a glimpse of what Oregon hoped was still to come. Instead, Stewart’s next season became about getting back to where he had been. Rather than running routes on Saturdays, Stewart spent 2025 navigating recovery. He also picked up a few hobbies along the way. During his time of recovery, Stewart picked up bowling. “I think at this point the whole team bowls,” Stewart said. “I think I was late to the party.” By the spring, however, the focus went back to football for Stewart. During Oregon’s spring game, he provided one of the clearest signs yet that his power was returning. “I definitely feel more explosive,” Stewart said. Stewart pulled in a 76-yard touchdown, offering a familiar sight to those who remembered what he provided the Ducks two seasons earlier.

Oregon head coach Dan Lanning noticed more than just the big play. “This has been Evan’s best spring since I’ve been here,” Lanning said following the spring game. “I’m really excited about the growth.” The hunger carried into the offseason. “When you have something that’s not there for a while, you don’t get the opportunity to do it; you’re really hungry when you come back,” Lanning said. “And I’ve seen maturity from him. I’ve seen him really level up in execution, be a guy that we can count on this spring.” What Stewart can create could play an important role in determining the ceiling of Oregon’s offense. His return gives quarterback Dante Moore an experienced target with the ability to stretch the field. Stewart joins a receiving corps that includes Dakorien Moore and Jeremiah McClellan, providing Oregon with another option capable of turning separation into explosive plays. Stewart also brings something that can’t be measured by catches or yards. He has played three collegiate seasons between Texas A&M and Oregon, experienced some of college football’s toughest environments, and now knows what it’s like to have the game taken away from him for an entire year. His final season provides another opportunity to put those experiences together. Oregon doesn’t have to look far to see what Stewart can be at his best. The Ducks saw it against Ohio State. They caught another glimpse during the spring. After spending a year separated from the game, Stewart’s route finally leads back to where he wanted to be. He no longer has to stand by on the sidelines wondering when he’ll be able to explode off the snap. Now, he gets to run with it and go for the end zone. (LEFT) Evan Stewart looks to continue making an impact on the Oregon offense as a transfer in a strong wide receiver room. The No. 1 ranked Oregon Ducks took on the Michigan Wolverines on Nov. 2, 2024, at the iconic “Big House” in Ann Arbor, Mich. (Jonathan Suni/Emerald) (BELOW) Evan Stewart celebrates with teammates after a succesful touchdown. The Oregon Ducks played against the Maryland Terrapins at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. on Nov. 11, 2024. (Saj Sundaram/Emerald)

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GAMEDAY

THURSDAY, SEPT. 3, 2026

THE ADJUSTMENT AROUND THE POND

How life for some of the newest Ducks has changed as they take in the new scene in Eugene. By Bel Perez Sports Writer

Eugene, a deep-rooted college town, feels different from some other top football programs around the nation. Home to one of the most dedicated fan bases in college sports, and surrounded by a wide variety of foliage, this scene isn’t what some of the newest Ducks are used to. With the culture Oregon offers, the adjustment to Eugene’s scene can be different from what the newest Ducks are used to. From their eyes, here’s some insight into what a new Duck lifestyle looks like. The obvious reason that continues to pull many players to Eugene is its lush resources, rich history and culture, as well as the program’s reputation. With countless players who went on to thrive in the NFL after their stint with Oregon, many aspire to be part of the program that helped others succeed further into their professional careers. Coming from Nebraska, junior transfer Dylan Raiola discussed how special it is to be continuing the tradition that former players like Marcus Mariota and Dillon Gabriel helped create at Oregon. “It’s a blessing to be a part of,” Raiola said during the 2026 media day. Junior transfer Koi Perich from Minnesota had similar things to say during his 2026 media day interview about having his chance to be part of this program. “I wanted to be part of a contender and a great program,” Perich said. “Oregon is both of those. There’s a lot of great coaches, great players here, and with both of those in the equation, you’re going to have a lot of success, and hopefully I can add to that.” Now, aside from the game, there is more to life than football. Location, scenery, and the people all help shape how desirable a place can be. For many people, leaving home to move to an entirely new scene can be challenging. Learning to navigate new places and find community are some of the challenges faced during the adjustment. During his 2026 media day press conference, Raiola poked fun at how the scenery in Oregon is different from his former home in Nebraska. “There’s not cornfields here,” Raiola said. “There’s mountains and trees, and I love the nature. I’m really excited for what Oregon’s going to bring. Not only to my life but for my teammates as well.” Perich made his version plain and simple. “Oregon has been great,” Perich said. “I have no complaints. Everything has been amazing here.” Aware of the community Eugene has to offer, Perich received a preview of his new community when he visited Autzen Stadium playing for Minnesota in last year’s week 12 matchup. “Autzen Stadium was amazing,” Perich said. “The fans here are amazing. They bring the energy even when [Minnesota was] down 40-0. The fans were still cheering, and I thought that was pretty cool.” Walking into a place like Oregon as a new asset for the football program can be intimidating. Players are joining an established group, yet all working for something bigger than themselves. But away from the locker room, players learn there is more to life than football, and the players have quickly come to love all that Eugene has to offer. The people, its sights and of course, the football.

(Anna Liv Myklebust/Emerald) Stands filled during the Oregon vs. Indiana game. On Oct. 11, 2025 the University of Oregon Ducks played the Indiana University Hoosiers at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. The Hoosiers defeated the Ducks 30-20.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 3, 2026

GAMEDAY

PAGE 11

Sponsored by Comcast

Same-Day WiFi Means One Less Thing for Students to Worry About

Back-to-school season is around the corner for the University of Oregon, and for students planning to live off campus that means getting a new home set up (and connected) fast. For students living off campus, reliable Internet access is critical for coursework, communication and entertainment, but it often needs to be arranged independently.

An industry first from a major wired Internet provider, SameDay WiFi is a simple plug-and-play setup and ensures students are ready from day one. How it works is simple. Students sign up for Xfinity Internet, WiFi equipment can either be picked up at a Xfinity store, or for eligible customers in Eugene, delivered to their home, and they’re up and running — all in one day. Sign Up: Sign up for Xfinity Internet at Xfinity.com. Eligible customers select same-day Gateway delivery during checkout. Set Up: An Xfinity Gateway is delivered directly to their doorstep within hours. Customers can simply plug-and-play their device to get up and running. Start Up: Customers self-install and activate service in minutes through the Xfinity app. Immediately connect devices, personalize their WiFi settings, and manage your home network.

This back-to-school season, Xfinity is making it easier to get connected with Same-Day WiFi in Eugene, allowing eligible new customers to sign up and get online that very same day; either through home delivery, where available, or by picking up equipment at the Eugene Xfinity store. Eligible university students living off campus can also take advantage of a special offer featuring 1 Gig speeds for $45 per month for one year, plus Peacock Premium and a $200 virtual prepaid Mastercard.

“In a world where almost everything is instant, home Internet shouldn’t be an exception,” said Eric Jagher, senior vice president and general manager of connectivity. “With Xfinity’s Same-Day WiFi we’re giving customers access to the nation’s fastest, most reliable connectivity the moment they need it.” Whether they’re submitting an assignment five minutes before it’s due, interviewing for that dream internship, streaming the big game, or sharing WiFi with a house full of roommates, Xfinity student plans are built to keep up with college life. Don’t miss out on same-day WiFi and student offers from Xfinity. Learn more at xfinity.com/student and get started today!

Learn more at xfinity.com/student or stop by to speak to Xfinity at UO Parent & Family Marketplace on September 24 and 25.

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GAMEDAY

THURSDAY, SEPT. 3, 2026

GAMEDAY

PAGE 13

OPINION

SHEA: ANOTHER NEW REALITY IN COLLEGE FOOTBALL The Big Ten, SEC and NFL are fighting back against the players who want to return to their old stomping grounds. By Rowan Shea Sports Writer

An 18-year-old, fresh out of high school, probably just walked the stage before venturing off to a top D1 football program in the nation to begin their dream. At that program, there are players who have been in a collegiate weight room for years, learning the plays, developing and honing their skills, going against the best competition in their age group; it’ll be an uphill battle, but it’s doable, and maybe that 18-year-old can get on the field come mid-season. Over the past few weeks, as the NFL training camps are making final roster adjustments, players who have been cut are returning to the college level. Now, when an 18-year-old shows up to the facility, they’re not only going against collegiate athletes who are anywhere between 18 and 22 years old, but NFL players who have their tail tucked between their legs as they look for another chance. That NFL player is going to take the spot of an 18-year-old boy who is not stronger than a 22- to 24-year-old looking to keep the dream alive. One of those hopefuls is tight end Dae’Quan Wright, who was a free agent out of the University of Mississippi following the draft, returning to CFB, this time for Louisiana State University, reuniting with Lane Kiffin, and the other is Zxavian Harris, who was also an undrafted free agent out of Mississippi and is going to Louisiana State University. That has caused some hesitation in college football. The Big Ten and the SEC conferences both jumped into action, recognizing the unfairness this poses to new, young talent. Both passed separate rules that ban players from the NFL from returning to play.

College football is about the youth, not those who can’t get their footing immediately. In the simplest terms, college football is about preparation; it’s not somewhere for those who struggle in the NFL to come running back to.

“

If you invited somebody (from the NFL) back to your team, that means you’re kicking somebody else off your team to match your roster limits. Dan Lanning

Oregon Ducks Football Head Coach

The NFL has added to this consensus by reiterating that those players who leave the NFL for college will not be eligible for the 2026 draft, but will be free agents for the 2027 season, effectively not resetting their careers. “I think there’s a lot of negatives that are involved around this. One, once you go to the NFL,

to me, you’re in the NFL. You don’t get the opportunity to come back,” head coach Dan Lanning said. “Two, most of us have built our rosters, and you have a limited roster limit now. So if you invited somebody back to your team, that means you’re kicking somebody else off your team to match your roster limits.” Coming back to the college level to reset your professional career isn’t what college sports are about. College sports aren’t the Minor Leagues — there aren’t as many levels — there is one team and one roster. That roster should be catered to those starting their careers, not to those who may just be college talent after their time is up. College football is about watching young, flourishing talent make plays against their peers, peers who are also learning how to play at a more professional level. College football is not about watching a player who can exercise a fifth-year option after getting cut from the NFL. College football is not about cutting a still college-aged player for one who comes crawling back. Sometimes the dream isn’t for everyone. Sometimes those who are great in the lower levels of the sport can’t make it on the big stage. “Moneyball” (2011), though a baseball movie, sums it up well. “We’re all told at some point in time that we can no longer play the children’s game; we just don’t know when that’s gonna be. Some of us are told at eighteen, some of us are told at forty, but we’re all told.” (ABOVE) Fireworks explode over Autzen Stadium as the Ducks run out their tunnel onto the field. The No. 5 University of Oregon Ducks demolished the No. 12 James Madison University Dukes 51-34 in the first round of the College Football Playoff at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore., on Dec. 20, 2025. (Saj Sundaram/Emerald)

Rowan, a junior at Oregon, has been a lifelong sports fan. Because of his affinity for sports, he chose to attend the University of Oregon thanks to its sports culture. Writing and telling people’s story are two things Rowan wants to continue doing and why he is at the Daily Emerald.

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GAMEDAY

THURSDAY, SEPT. 3, 2026

MEET THE NEW STARTERS ALONG

OREGON’S OFFENSIVE LINE

The 2026 Ducks will rely on a mix of former rotational pieces and young, hungry players to protect Dante Moore. By Henry Light Associate Sports Editor

Ahead of its rebuilding 2025 season, Oregon football brought in three one-and-done starters to patch holes along its offensive line. Emmanuel Pregnon, Isaiah World and Alex Harkey provided much-needed experience, but the result is a 2026 room that lacks the continuity of other position groups. Rather than gearing up in the transfer portal once again, the Ducks chose to surround mainstay center Iapani Laloulu and fifth-year right guard Dave Iuli with a mix of former depth pieces and young players gunning for breakout seasons. That decision is a vote of confidence for fourth-year offensive line coach A’Lique Terry and for the program’s recruiting prowess, and its results will determine Oregon’s ability to flex its experience at the skill positions.

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Every year it’s going to be slightly unique, slightly different, but I think this is one of our most connected rooms we’ve had. A’Lique Terry

Fourth-Year Offensive Line Coach

“It’s going to be a new bunch, so (we’re) trying to get that cohesiveness right now in fall camp, trying to find the right mesh and the right pairs to be playing with each other,” Terry said. “All these guys have played next to each other at some point over the last few years other than Mikey Bennett, so now we’re trying to find that cohesion so they can go out there hitting on all cylinders.” Michael Bennett III, a fifth-year transfer from Yale University, is the exception to Oregon’s choice of promoting from within. The right tackle came to Oregon with an FCS All-America honorable mention and an excitement to learn the playbook befitting of his Ivy League background. “After every rack or whatever, he comes up and asks me a question, and I like that cause that means he’s into it; he wants to understand our scheme better,” Laloulu said. “Just being able to have those conversations is pretty huge, and even off the field too. Mike is a funny guy, you know, cool guy to be around. Always has joy. Always has that smile. So I appreciate Mike every day.” Bennett and Iuli both slot in on the right side based on their past experience, creating a battle for starting roles on

the left side and the wide-open rotational roles. Names like Gernorris Wilson, Fox Crader and Trent Ferguson may be familiar to Oregon fans based on their recent rotational and spot-starting experience. Wilson and Crader each made high-stakes first career starts last season against Iowa and USC, respectively, while Ferguson saw action in every game. Wilson looms large relative to his experience thanks to his two career touchdown receptions and their accompanying dances. Already the first Oregon lineman ever to catch multiple touchdown passes, Wilson confirmed at media day that he has a celebration planned should he find a third this season. “Every year it’s going to be slightly unique, slightly different, but I think this is one of our most connected rooms we’ve had,” Terry said. “A lot of these guys have been here for a very long time, and it’s cool to see the older guys giv-

ing the young guys the wisdom even with competition happening in the room right now.” Fifth-year Kawika Rogers has an inside track to the starting left guard spot due to his experience in the role, but the competition for him and other returners looking to climb the depth chart runs deep. Junior Devin Brooks and sophomores Ziyare Addison, Douglas Utu and Demetri Manning each saw limited game action last season, while freshmen Tommy Tofi, Immanuel Iheanacho and Koloi Keli have garnered praise in fall camp. A lot is up in the air in front of Dante Moore, but Oregon’s talented offensive line room holds the potential to keep him grounded. (ABOVE) The Oregon offensive line huddle together before their next play. On Sept. 27, 2025 the University of Oregon Ducks played the Penn State University Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pa. (Saj Sundaram/Emerald)

THURSDAY, SEPT. 3, 2026

GAMEDAY

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