The Oregon Ducks offense was one of the best in the country last year, putting up the second-most points per game with 44.2. That's a lot of points. Losing quarterback Bo Nix and top wide receiver Troy Franklin to the NFL (and ironically, both to the Denver Broncos), Ducks fans will have new faces to familiarize themselves with.
What should Ducks fans expect from this new-look offense?
Oregon will lean on new quarterback Dillon Gabriel to lead the charge
It all starts with quarterback, and Oregon has a new one worth being excited. Dillon Gabriel , the Oklahoma transfer, is a gamer with a big arm. Gabriel and his left-handed release has the ability to make all the throws.
Gabriel has 50 career starts under his belt, and has racked up a lot of stats. Gabriel is eighth all time with 14,865, and is also eighth all time with 125 touchdown passes. Gabriel is coming off his best college season with a 69.3% completion percentage, and will be taking the field with in the best system, with the best weapons, he's ever played with.
Oregon will have a loaded group of pass catchers
Oregon has three wide receivers slated for massive roles: Traeshon Holden is your traditional X wide receiver, and Tez Johnson is a prolific slot receiver – both of whom are returning to their roles in the Ducks offense from last year.
Holden is a touchdown machine despite his limited target involvement, but Johnson is a volume receiver that broke the Oregon single season receptions record last season with 86. Both of whom have big roles in the offense, but it's the addition made through the transfer portal that puts this group over the top.
Enter Evan Stewart, a lethal route runner with legitimate 4.3 speed and terrific body control. Stewart is set to have a major breakout in this offense. He and Johnson are going to form a 1-2 punch that is capable of taking any pass for a touchdown.
The Oregon Ducks will feature a new lead back
Bucky Irving is also off to the NFL, but the backfield is still in great hands. Last year, even with Irving leading the way, the 5'10" 205 lbs Jordan James racked up 795 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns as a secondary weapon. This year, it'll be his backfield to run away with.
James will provide plenty of power and athleticism to the backfield, making this one of the most well-rounded attacks in the country. He's one of several Ducks players primed for a major breakout in 2024.
Defenses won't be able to simply take away one strength and neutralize this offense – whether on the ground, through the air in the short to intermediate, or attacking deep down the field, Oregon has the talent and the playmakers to make defenses pay in a variety of ways.
Related: Oregon Ducks and Dan Lanning looking to lean on key returning pass rushers ahead of 2024 college football season
Follow along all year for more Oregon Ducks coverage on A to Z Sports. You can find me on X @JonHelmkamp , as well as follow our main page @AtoZSportsNFL for all the latest news.
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