ESPN has released its 2026 college football preseason power rankings, and folks, they’ve got the Oregon Ducks at No. 4. That’s a shocker, right? Especially when most other polls out there have the Ducks firmly in the Top 3.
No. 4? ESPN’s Holding Back on the Ducks Hype
Seriously, No. 4. While being a top five team is definitely high praise, it’s a relative dip compared to what almost everyone else is saying. Ohio State, Georgia, and Notre Dame are all ahead of the Ducks in ESPN’s rankings. What gives with that? Well, ESPN writer Mark Schlabach isn’t simply handing out participation trophies. He’s straight-up saying the Ducks still need to prove they can actually compete for, and win, a national championship. And honestly, is that really unfair? This team has been right there, knocking on the door, but they haven’t quite busted it down yet.
Dante Moore’s Return Means Nothing If They Can’t Get Over the Hump
Schlabach didn’t pull any punches: “After falling in the CFP to each of the past two national champions, the Ducks have unfinished business in 2026,” he said. That’s the real talk. He even highlighted that this “unfinished business” is the exact reason QB Dante Moore decided to skip the NFL draft and come back to Eugene. Coach Dan Lanning’s squad absolutely needs to prove they can “get over the hump” this season. And get this: they’ve got a massive, immediate chance to make that statement. The Ducks are heading to Ohio State on November 7. Talk about a proving ground. That’s a game where you show the world what you’re made of.
Those 2025 Indiana Losses Are Still Haunting Eugene
And you know what else is probably adding fuel to that “unfinished business” fire? Those two brutal losses to Indiana from 2025. The Ducks would love nothing more than to get revenge for those defeats, especially if it happens in the postseason. A playoff win against the Hoosiers would be incredibly sweet, no doubt about it. And hey, let’s not sleep on Indiana, either. They’re sitting at No. 8 in ESPN’s preseason poll and are expected to be a serious contender for another conference title, ready to cause some real playoff havoc. So, while Oregon’s aiming for the national title, they might just get a shot at some sweet revenge along the way.
That November 7 showdown at Ohio State isn’t merely another game. It’s the ultimate proving ground for Dan Lanning’s crew. Can they show ESPN, and every other analyst out there, that they’re not just a Top 5 team, but bona fide national championship contenders? This ranking from ESPN isn’t a slight, it’s a challenge. It’s a call to action. Let’s see if the Ducks are ready to answer it.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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