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USA Today
21-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Predicting Oregon football offensive depth chart for final week of spring football
Predicting Oregon football offensive depth chart for final week of spring football It's been a fun spring season for the Oregon Ducks, jam packed with storylines of young players and potential breakouts coming in Eugene. With one final week in the season before Oregon's annual spring game on April 26, the players are working hard to get their last bits of work in before putting it all on display for the world to see. In a new year with many new faces, there have been endless storylines, from the quarterback battle to the search for elite weapons around him. On the defensive side of the ball, some veteran experience returns. At the same time, high-level transfers also come to Oregon with an expectation of vaulting their stock and preparing for the NFL. Oregon's roster will look wildly different in 2025 than it did a year ago, with new faces at nearly every position. Most notably, former Duck stars like Dillon Gabriel, Jordan James, Terrance Ferguson, Tez Johnson, Josh Conerly, Jordan Burch, and Jeffrey Bassa are all off to the NFL, so Lanning and the Ducks have some big shoes to fill. While nothing will be set in stone this spring, we will get a good chance to see where Oregon's roster currently stands and who has set them up to contribute significantly come fall. How do we see things with one final week to go before the spring game? That's an important question. With so many open spots on the starting lineup, the depth chart looks a bit muddled as we wait to see who can separate themselves this offseason. For now, though, there's no harm in trying to project where things are at. Here's our first look at what the offensive depth chart will look like for the Ducks this spring: Quarterback Starter: Dante Moore Dante Moore Backup: Austin Novosad Austin Novosad Other Names to Know: Luke Moga/Akili Smith Jr. Change From Mid-Spring Prediction: None Analysis: While we havent' seen any spring practices thus far, the buzz is still around Dante Moore to be the QB1 this year. As one of the leading candidates for the Heisman Trophy in 2025, there are high expectations in his first year as the starter at Oregon, and we should get a good look at what he can do this spring. Running Back Starter: Makhi Hughes Makhi Hughes Backup: Noah Whittington Noah Whittington Other Names to Know: Jayden Limar/Da'Jaun Riggs Change From Mid-Spring Prediction: None Analysis: There was no change in the depth chart from before spring ball started, but if I had to put a percentage on things, I would up my confidence in Makhi Hughes as the starter. It sounds like he is having a great spring season and standing out in the room. Behind Hughes and Whittington at RB1 and RB2, I'm curious to see what we get from Jayden Limar and Da'Jaun Riggs. Riggs showed some real explosiveness in limited work as a freshman and could be poised for a breakout this spring. Wide Receiver (X) Starter: Evan Stewart Evan Stewart Backup: Kyler Kasper Kyler Kasper Other Names to Know: Jurrion Dickey/Jeremiah McClellan Change From Mid-Spring Prediction: None Analysis: Evan Stewart projects to be the Ducks' WR1 going into the year, taking over for Tez Johnson. I think Kyler Kasper will get some nice run here as well, especially considering that he appears to be fully healthy once again. I wouldn't at all be surprised to see guys like Jeremiah McClellan and Jurrion Dickey step into more prominent roles as well. Wide Receiver (Z) Starter: Jeremiah McClellan Jeremiah McClellan Backup: Justius Lowe Justius Lowe Other Names to Know: Malik Benson/Jurrion Dickey/Cooper Perry Change From Mid-Spring Prediction: Moved Lowe ahead of Benson, added Cooper Perry Analysis: Last time around, I flipped Jeremiah McClellan and Malik Benson in the starting role, and I'm going to continue with that line of thinking and put Justius Lowe ahead of Benson as well. While we haven't seen any practice this year, players and coaches have done very little talking about Benson, while Lowe's name has come up a bit. I also think that freshman Cooper Perry will be in the mix a bit more than we thought at this position. Wide Receiver (Slot) Starter: Dakorien Moore Dakorien Moore Backup: Gary Bryant Jr. Gary Bryant Jr. Other Names to Know: Justius Lowe Change From Mid-Spring Prediction: None Analysis: Again, no change in the depth chart order, but a strengthened resolve in the belief that true freshman Dakorien Moore will be the starter. We've heard enough, and seen clips of videos from the university, at this point, to feel confident in his ability to be a game-changer from the start. Tight End Starter: Kenyon Sadiq Kenyon Sadiq Backup: Jamari Johnson Jamari Johnson Other Names to Know: A.J. Pugliano (or transfer to be named) Change From Mid-Spring Prediction: None Analysis: The top of this depth chart remains intact, but I have removed Roger Saleapaga from the "names to know" section, as it appears that he will likely not be fully healthy by the time the season rolls around. Because of this, I think Oregon likely finds another transfer portal addition in the TE room to add to the depth chart. Left Tackle Starter: Isaiah World Isaiah World Backup: Kawika Rogers Kawika Rogers Other Names to Know: Fox Crader/Ziyarre Addison Change From Mid-Spring Prediction: None Analysis: I think that Isaiah World will undoubtedly be the starter at LT, but I'm uncertain what things will look like behind him. Kawika Rogers has the most experience, but redshirt freshman Fox Crader and true freshman Ziyarre Addison bring a lot of talent to the table. Left Guard Starter: Emmanuel Pregnon Emmanuel Pregnon Backup: Dave Iuli Dave Iuli Other Names to Know: Iapani Laloulu Change From Mid-Spring Prediction: None Analysis: Much like the LT spot, Emmanuel Pregnon should be the starter at LG, but behind him things are muddled. With Dave Iuli moving down in the RG depth chart, I moved him up on the LG hierarchy. I also think that starting center Iapani Laloulu could slot in here as well if needed. Center Starter: Iapani Laloulu Iapani Laloulu Backup: Charlie Pickard Charlie Pickard Other Names to Know: Dave Iuli/Bryce Boulton Change From Mid-Spring Prediction: Moved Dave Iuli into names to know Analysis: Iapani Laloulu took over as the starting center as a true sophomore in 2024, so there is no reason to believe that he won't once again be the guy in 2025. Behind him, we will likely see Charlie Pickard, who acted as the starting center when Laloulu moved around to guard in the wake of an injury early in 2024. I also moved Iuli into the names to know category, with the knowledge that he has been taking snaps ad reps there this spring as well. Right Guard Starter: Matthew Bedford Matthew Bedford Backup: Dave Iuli Dave Iuli Other Names to Know: Alex Harkey/Lipe Moala Change From Mid-Spring Prediction: Added Alex Harkey to the list. Analysis: I'm still very uncertain on whether or not it will be Bedford or Iuli as the starter at RG, but those two will occupy the top two spots in some fashion. Behind them, there are a number of guys who can slot in, but I like Lipe Moala for the No. 3 spot. I also put Alex Harkey in play after a conversation with Geoff Schwartz on his potential fit on the line — more on that next. Right Tackle Starter: Alex Harkey Alex Harkey Backup: Gernorris Wilson Gernorris Wilson Other Names to Know: Kawika Rogers/Trent Ferguson Change From Mid-Spring Prediction: None Analysis: Talking to Geoff Schwartz this past week on the Bleav in Oregon Podcast, this position is a bit in question for me. Geoff, a former Duck and longtime NFL offensive lineman, sees Harkey more at the guard spot than at tackle, but it sounds like Harkey has been playing out wide at tackle so far in Eugene. Ultimately, it will be between Harkey and Gernorris Wilson for the starting spot. 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.
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Da'Jaun Riggs' increased knowledge of Ducks' offense sets him apart this spring
The list of exciting, high-upside players on the Oregon Ducks roster coming into the spring football season was long, with guys like Dante Moore, Makhi Hughes, Dillon Thieneman, Dakorien Moore, and Isaiah World all generating a ton of buzz. Through the first nine practices, fans haven't been disappointed as stories come out about those players living up to the hype in Eugene. Many of those fans are projecting a breakout season in 2025 for redshirt freshman running back Da'Jaun Riggs. He didn't get a ton of snaps last year, but with 11 carries for 82 yards and a touchdown, enough was seen to project highly for the future. Advertisement Want a sample of what some people are saying? Former Oregon RB Jonathan Stewart says that when he watches Riggs run, he sees a bit of LaMichael James and Kenjon Barner. Current Oregon RB Noah Whittington has dubbed him "Bucky 2.0" for the similarities in his running style with Bucky Irving. Earlier this week, Oregon OL great Geoff Schwartz said on the Bleav in Oregon Podcast that he looked like the best player on the field against Washington and Illinois in 2024. "The thing about watching film, he stood out," Schwartz said. "He played faster than all 21 guys on the field, and I get that it was backups, I don't give a (expletive)." Advertisement Those are all fans weighing in, though. What do the coaches have to say? We asked on Tuesday, and the results were just as glowing. "(Riggs) has grown up. He's definitely grown up. He's matured in the offense, he looks comfortable right now," RB coach Ra'Shaad Samples said. "That second half of the season, Dink really started to get comfortable, and I know you guys saw him rattle off a couple of runs, and that's been consistent. He shows up every day and is the same person. He's natural. He's a really natural runner. It doesn't take much for him. It isn't hard for him. He makes it look really easy." It will be hard for Riggs to carve out a share of the workload in Oregon's crowded backfield this season, with Whittington returning for another season and Tulane transfer Makhi Hughes coming in with high expectations, but from what we've seen him put on tape, the redshirt freshman has the talent to hold his own and demand a cut of the carries. "I'm going to try and figure out if I can call the NCAA and see if we can play with two footballs," Samples joked on Tuesday. "We've got to find ways to get these guys the ball, and it's a hard job. It's a good problem to have." Advertisement One thing that Riggs has on his side this year that he didn't last year is a deeper understanding of the offense. While pure talent was relied upon as a true freshman, he now can further ingratiate himself into the system and build on his talent to stake his claim in the backfield. "It's the difference in knowing the system and not knowing and learning it," head coach Dan Lanning said. "And he's a guy that now understands where to hit on a certain path, understands, you know, where he's going to be at in a route, where he's at. So like, picking up the system, I think it's huge for him, but he's proven to be a guy that's elusive that can also get vertical fast. Plays the game the right way." When the Ducks' spring game rolls around two weekends from now on April 26, there's an endless list of players who fans will be chomping at the bit to see in action once again. Based on what we saw last year and based on what we're hearing this spring, Riggs will undoubtedly be near the top of that list. 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 Football's Da'Jaun Riggs draws buzz with electric spring start
USA Today
16-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Da'Jaun Riggs' increased knowledge of Ducks' offense sets him apart this spring
Da'Jaun Riggs' increased knowledge of Ducks' offense sets him apart this spring The list of exciting, high-upside players on the Oregon Ducks roster coming into the spring football season was long, with guys like Dante Moore, Makhi Hughes, Dillon Thieneman, Dakorien Moore, and Isaiah World all generating a ton of buzz. Through the first nine practices, fans haven't been disappointed as stories come out about those players living up to the hype in Eugene. Many of those fans are projecting a breakout season in 2025 for redshirt freshman running back Da'Jaun Riggs. He didn't get a ton of snaps last year, but with 11 carries for 82 yards and a touchdown, enough was seen to project highly for the future. Want a sample of what some people are saying? Former Oregon RB Jonathan Stewart says that when he watches Riggs run, he sees a bit of LaMichael James and Kenjon Barner. Current Oregon RB Noah Whittington has dubbed him "Bucky 2.0" for the similarities in his running style with Bucky Irving. Earlier this week, Oregon OL great Geoff Schwartz said on the Bleav in Oregon Podcast that he looked like the best player on the field against Washington and Illinois in 2024. "The thing about watching film, he stood out," Schwartz said. "He played faster than all 21 guys on the field, and I get that it was backups, I don't give a (expletive)." Those are all fans weighing in, though. What do the coaches have to say? We asked on Tuesday, and the results were just as glowing. "(Riggs) has grown up. He's definitely grown up. He's matured in the offense, he looks comfortable right now," RB coach Ra'Shaad Samples said. "That second half of the season, Dink really started to get comfortable, and I know you guys saw him rattle off a couple of runs, and that's been consistent. He shows up every day and is the same person. He's natural. He's a really natural runner. It doesn't take much for him. It isn't hard for him. He makes it look really easy." It will be hard for Riggs to carve out a share of the workload in Oregon's crowded backfield this season, with Whittington returning for another season and Tulane transfer Makhi Hughes coming in with high expectations, but from what we've seen him put on tape, the redshirt freshman has the talent to hold his own and demand a cut of the carries. "I'm going to try and figure out if I can call the NCAA and see if we can play with two footballs," Samples joked on Tuesday. "We've got to find ways to get these guys the ball, and it's a hard job. It's a good problem to have." One thing that Riggs has on his side this year that he didn't last year is a deeper understanding of the offense. While pure talent was relied upon as a true freshman, he now can further ingratiate himself into the system and build on his talent to stake his claim in the backfield. "It's the difference in knowing the system and not knowing and learning it," head coach Dan Lanning said. "And he's a guy that now understands where to hit on a certain path, understands, you know, where he's going to be at in a route, where he's at. So like, picking up the system, I think it's huge for him, but he's proven to be a guy that's elusive that can also get vertical fast. Plays the game the right way." When the Ducks' spring game rolls around two weekends from now on April 26, there's an endless list of players who fans will be chomping at the bit to see in action once again. Based on what we saw last year and based on what we're hearing this spring, Riggs will undoubtedly be near the top of that list. 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.
USA Today
14-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Oregon football offensive depth chart prediction midway through spring football
Oregon football offensive depth chart prediction midway through spring football The spring football season is going by quickly for Dan Lanning and the Oregon Ducks, with eight sessions already behind us, and the annual Spring Game just a couple of weekends away. In a new year with many new faces, there have been endless storylines during this spring season in Eugene, from the quarterback battle to the search for elite weapons around him. On the defensive side of the ball, some veteran experience returns. At the same time, high-level transfers also come to Oregon with an expectation of vaulting their stock and preparing for the NFL. Oregon's roster will look wildly different in 2025 than it did a year ago, with new faces at nearly every position. Most notably, former Duck stars like Dillon Gabriel, Jordan James, Terrance Ferguson, Tez Johnson, Josh Conerly, Jordan Burch, and Jeffrey Bassa are all off to the NFL, so Lanning and the Ducks have some big shoes to fill. While nothing will be set in stone this spring, we will get a good chance to see where Oregon's roster currently stands and who has set them up to contribute significantly come fall. How do we see things after a couple of weeks of practice? That's an important question. With so many open spots on the starting lineup, the depth chart looks a bit muddled as we wait to see who can separate themselves this offseason. For now, though, there's no harm in trying to project where things are at. Here's our first look at what the offensive depth chart will look like for the Ducks this spring: Quarterback Starter: Dante Moore Dante Moore Backup: Austin Novosad Austin Novosad Other Names to Know: Luke Moga/Akili Smith Jr. Change From Pre-Spring Prediction: None Analysis: While we havent' seen any spring practices thus far, the buzz is still around Dante Moore to be the QB1 this year. As one of the leading candidates for the Heisman Trophy in 2025, there are high expectations in his first year as the starter at Oregon, and we should get a good look at what he can do this spring. Running Back Starter: Makhi Hughes Makhi Hughes Backup: Noah Whittington Noah Whittington Other Names to Know: Jayden Limar/Da'Jaun Riggs Change From Pre-Spring Prediction: None Analysis: There was no change in the depth chart from before spring ball started, but if I had to put a percentage on things, I would up my confidence in Makhi Hughes as the starter. It sounds like he is having a great spring season and standing out in the room. Behind Hughes and Whittington at RB1 and RB2, I'm curious to see what we get from Jayden Limar and Da'Jaun Riggs. Riggs showed some real explosiveness in limited work as a freshman and could be poised for a breakout this spring. Wide Receiver (X) Starter: Evan Stewart Evan Stewart Backup: Kyler Kasper Kyler Kasper Other Names to Know: Jurrion Dickey/Jeremiah McClellan Change From Pre-Spring Prediction: None Analysis: Evan Stewart projects to be the Ducks' WR1 going into the year, taking over for Tez Johnson. I think Kyler Kasper will get some nice run here as well, especially considering that he appears to be fully healthy once again. I wouldn't at all be surprised to see guys like Jeremiah McClellan and Jurrion Dickey step into more prominent roles as well. Wide Receiver (Z) Starter: Jeremiah McClellan Jeremiah McClellan Backup: Malik Benson Malik Benson Other Names to Know: Justius Lowe/Jurrion Dickey Change From Pre-Spring Prediction: Flipped McClellan and Benson Analysis: Our first major change — I am putting Jeremiah McClellan into the starting role over Malik Benson. While it isn't based on anything I've personally seen, I have been hearing some really good things about the redshirt freshman and think he could play a big role in the offense this year. Wide Receiver (Slot) Starter: Dakorien Moore Dakorien Moore Backup: Gary Bryant Jr. Gary Bryant Jr. Other Names to Know: Justius Lowe Change From Pre-Spring Prediction: None Analysis: Again, no change in the depth chart order, but a strengthened resolve in the belief that true freshman Dakorien Moore will be the starter. We've heard enough, and seen clips of videos from the university, at this point, to feel confident in his ability to be a game-changer from the start. Tight End Starter: Kenyon Sadiq Kenyon Sadiq Backup: Jamari Johnson Jamari Johnson Other Names to Know: A.J. Pugliano (or transfer to be named) Change From Pre-Spring Prediction: Removed Roger Saleapaga Analysis: The top of this depth chart remains intact, but I have removed Roger Saleapaga from the "names to know" section, as it appears that he will likely not be fully healthy by the time the season rolls around. Because of this, I think Oregon likely finds another transfer portal addition in the TE room to add to the depth chart. Left Tackle Starter: Isaiah World Isaiah World Backup: Kawika Rogers Kawika Rogers Other Names to Know: Fox Crader/Ziyarre Addison Change From Pre-Spring Prediction: Flipped Rogers and Crader Analysis: I think that Isaiah World will undoubtedly be the starter at LT, but I'm uncertain what things will look like behind him. Kawika Rogers has the most experience, but redshirt freshman Fox Crader and true freshman Ziyarre Addison bring a lot of talent to the table. For now, I flipped Rogers and Crader, but this could all change in the future. Left Guard Starter: Emmanuel Pregnon Emmanuel Pregnon Backup: Dave Iuli Dave Iuli Other Names to Know: Iapani Laloulu Change From Pre-Spring Prediction: Moved Dave Iuli to backup. Analysis: Much like the LT spot, Emmanuel Pregnon should be the starter at LG, but behind him things are muddled. With Dave Iul moving down in the RG depth chart — more on that soon — I moved him up on the LG hierarchy. I also think that starting center Iapani Laloulu could slot in here as well if needed. Center Starter: Iapani Laloulu Iapani Laloulu Backup: Charlie Pickard Charlie Pickard Other Names to Know: Bryce Boulton Change From Pre-Spring Prediction: None Analysis: apani Laloulu took over as the starting center as a true sophomore in 2024, so there is no reason to believe that he won't once again be the guy in 2025. Behind him, we will likely see Charlie Pickard, who acted as the starting center when Laloulu moved around to guard in the wake of an injury early in 2024. Right Guard Starter: Matthew Bedford Matthew Bedford Backup: Dave Iuli Dave Iuli Other Names to Know: Lipe Moala Change From Pre-Spring Prediction: Flipped Bedford and Iuli at the top Analysis: The biggest reason for not having Bedford as the starter before spring ball started was questions about his health after missing the 2024 season. He appears to be 100%, though, and ready for the season, which was enough for me to move him up into the starting spot, ahead of Iuli. Right Tackle Starter: Alex Harkey Alex Harkey Backup: Gernorris Wilson Gernorris Wilson Other Names to Know: Kawika Rogers/Trent Ferguson Change From Pre-Spring Prediction: Flipped Harkey and Wilson Analysis: I think this will be a tough competition for the starting RT spot between Wilson and Harkey, but after hearing OL coach A'lique Terry talk about Harkey over the weekend, it was enough for me to flip my prediction. I have a feeling I might switch this back and forth a couple more times before the season starts, though. 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.
USA Today
03-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Oregon's Makhi Hughes ranked among ESPN's best RBs in 2025
Oregon's Makhi Hughes ranked among ESPN's best RBs in 2025 One of the primary topics of conversation this spring for the Oregon Ducks has been experience. With veteran players like Dillon Gabriel, Jordan James, Terrance Ferguson, Jeffrey Bassa, and Jordan Burch all leaving for the NFL, the Ducks have a young roster going into the 2025 season. The coaching staff will be quick to tell you how talented said roster is, but it's no secret that the players are lacking, as defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi puts it, "Oregon experience." From incoming transfers to underclassmen, both redshirt and true, the Ducks' starting lineup will be fraught with players looking to prove themselves this season. One of those players is running back Makhi Hughes, who transferred to Oregon from Tulane this offseason. Going into the year, he is among the most intriguing players on the offense for what he's put on tape early in his career. In his two years with the Green Wave, Hughes had back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, rushing for 2,779 yards and 22 touchdowns. While that production came from outside the Power 4 or Power 5 conferences, it was still enough to show that Hughes can run the ball and succeed. Going into the 2025 spring season, ESPN recently put out its ranking of the best RBs in the nation, and Hughes was prominently placed. The Ducks' transfer comes in at No. 4 on the list, behind only Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love, Penn State's Nicholas Singleton, and Penn State's Kaytron Allen. "The Tulane transfer ran for 1,401 yards last fall, ninth most nationally and more than any other returning running back. Hughes established himself as an exceptionally productive talent in two seasons with the Green Wave, and he lands at Oregon with two years of eligibility as an ideal replacement for 1,267-yard rusher Jordan James," wrote ESPN's Eli Lederman. "Hughes broke out for 1,378 yards on 258 carries as a freshman in 2023 before effectively replicating that rushing season. A key uptick in 2024: Hughes' rushing touchdown count climbed from seven to 15. His 949 yards after first contact in 2024, per TruMedia, also leads all returning rushers in 2025. As the Ducks break in new quarterback Dante Moore, Hughes' production and dependability could be especially important." While Hughes is thought of highly by the ESPN staff, he will have to contend with a talented RB room in Eugene before being named the official starter. Noah Whittington returned for another season with the Ducks, and other players like Jayden Limar, Da'Jaun Riggs, and Jay Harris are all fighting for carries as well. If we know anything going into the new season, though, it's that Oregon has a lot of talent in the backfield, and should feel confident about where things stand. 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.
