The Oregon Ducks football team finds itself at a crossroads after their season-ending loss to the Ohio State Buckeyes, with many players weighing their futures for the upcoming NFL Draft and potential returning talent shaping the roster for next year.
Ending the 2024 season with a disappointing 41-21 defeat, the Ducks have significant decisions to make as they aim to improve and remain competitive. Key players such as Dillon Gabriel, who has run out his eligibility, and several others are at the forefront of these decisions looming as the NFL Draft approaches.
Among those potentially eyeing the NFL are players like Derrick Harmon, Josh Conerly Jr., and Evan Stewart. Harmon, the fourth-year junior defensive tackle who transferred from Michigan State, had quite the season. At 6-5, 310 pounds, he ranked seventh on the team with 45 tackles and led all interior linemen nationally with 52 quarterback pressures. His standout performance makes him a promising candidate for the pros.
Meanwhile, Conerly Jr., the starting left tackle, was named first-team all-Big Ten, showcasing his strong capabilities on the line for two seasons. At 6-4, 315 pounds, his transition to the NFL seems likely. Stewart, the speedy wide receiver transfer from Texas A&M, also faces some tough choices. He concluded his junior season with 48 catches and 613 yards but dealt with injuries, missing the Rose Bowl.
The focal point for many Duck fans is whether Dante Moore will be the next starting quarterback. Moore, who transferred back to Oregon after spending his freshman year at UCLA, has been touted by teammates as someone who could lead the team effectively. Senior wide receiver Tez Johnson boldly claimed, "He'll be a Heisman finalist next year. 100%. Next year," reflecting confidence in Moore's ability to step up next season.
Johnson elaborated on Moore's practice performances, recalling how the quarterback executed impressive throws, including one he described as "a no-look, 60-yard bomb." Supporting this, Dillon Gabriel, who served as Moore's mentor, remarked, "Dante is my dude, and he's a special dude," reiterates the camaraderie and support within the team.
With Gabriel departing, the path appears clear for Moore to claim the starting role, particularly among discussions surrounding other potential candidates. The Ducks still face challenges. The departure of fellow five-star recruit Jaron Keawe Sagapolutele to the transfer portal leaves uncertainty as to whether they should pursue additional quarterbacks. With multiple four-star quarterbacks already committed, options are limited as the Ducks look to bolster their quarterback roster.
On the defensive side, Jahlil Florence has solidified his commitment to return for his senior season after missing the entire 2024 season due to injury. Announcing his decision post-Rose Bowl, Florence expressed regret over not being able to contribute but is eager to finish his college career strong. "I still got something to finish, I feel like I have a year where I could definitely help this team a lot. I'm definitely coming back next year, for sure," he stated. His experience will be invaluable, especially as the team will be losing key defensive players like Jabbar Muhammad and Dontae Manning.
Florence elaborated on his injury, stating, "Even I'm not really sure the exact injury. I had to get two surgeries so, it was kinda severe," providing insight to the challenges he faced. His determination to return and grow as part of the Ducks' defense brings optimism to fans about next season's lineup.
Looking at their recent history, Oregon had quite the entrance to the Big Ten Conference, winning the Big Ten Championship shortly after their arrival. It has been reassuring for stakeholders to see the improvement Oregon has made under Coach Dan Lanning, and the collective focus now firmly rests on maintaining this positive momentum moving forward.
The offseason is undoubtedly underway, and the Ducks will need to navigate the changes effectively—balancing player departures with their recruiting efforts and the potential talent within their ranks. Each move will be pivotal as they build toward the next chapter of Oregon Ducks football.