Nothing is set in stone, however, as rosters and depth charts continue to evolve over the summer.

Overview

Yet, the blowout defeats to Utah and the 47-32 loss to Oklahoma in the Alamo Bowl, coupled with Cristobal’s exit to Miami, set the stage for a new coaching staff to takeover.

Former Georgia defensive coordinator Dan Lanning was hired in mid-December, immediately working to secure the Pac-12’s No. 1 recruiting class.

Auburn transfer quarterback Bo Nix has been brought in to lead the Ducks in Lanning’s first season, along with UCLA wide receiver transfer Chase Cota, and Texas A&M wide receiver transfer Caleb Chapman.

In the backfield, Minnesota running back transfer Mar’Keise Irving has been added to the mix, while on the defensive line Washington transfer Sam Taimani made the jump.

The prior scheme under Cristobal appeared to discourage deep passes, setting the stage for the UO offense to be unleashed under Lanning.

And after the tragic passing of Spencer Webb, the team likely rallies together to play for something greater than themselves.

Best-Case Scenario

Led by one of the top offensive lines in the country, Oregon’s points per game tops the Pac-12 as the Ducks run the table in the league.

Nix plays consistently week-in and week-out, limiting turnovers and operating offensive coordinator Kenny Dillingham’s system with efficiency.

Sophomore receivers Kris Hutson and Troy Franklin have breakout years catching passes from Nix, while Cota and Chapman are consistent options.

Finishing the regular season with an 11-1 record with the sole defeat in Week One to Georgia, Lanning wins a Pac-12 Championship in his first season and secures UO’s first Playoff birth since 2014-15.

Worst-Case Scenario

Nix makes too many mistakes and miscues, forcing poor throws into tight windows leading to interceptions. The aggressive shot taking downfield backfires at times, taking away possessions the offense needs in close games.

But the decision-making is worse during broken plays, where Nix uses his legs to keep the play alive only to give the ball away with a bad throw.

Projected backup Ty Thompson doesn’t have the explosiveness or confidence to make the dangerous throws Nix risks, limiting the offense and resulting in a disappointing third down conversion rate.

Forced to roll with Nix, the team lives and dies by his execution.

The regular season ends with a close victory against Oregon State, capping a 9-3 record in Lanning’s debut year.

What Should Happen

The defense should shine under Lanning’s tutelage.

Led by Noah Sewell, the linebacking corps is elite if Justin Flowe stays healthy. The top teams in the country are always anchored by stalwarts on the second level, and Oregon has two of the best.

Sewell and Flowe’s command of the defense should produce plenty of third-down stops and force opposing coordinators to game plan around the duo.

In the secondary, Bennett Williams, Jamal Hill, Dontae Manning, and Gonzalez should combine to form one of the deadliest DB units in the Conference.

Fifth in the nation last season in total interceptions, the group should once again provide the Oregon offense with extra possessions in pivotal moments.

Up front, Brandon Dorlus should lead the way along with Taimani, Bradyn Swinson, and Popo Aumavae, helping to improve on UO’s paltry 1.64 sacks per game.

What Must Happen

With all the well-earned respect Oregon’s offensive line garnered last season, its struggles along the defensive line were arguably overlooked.

The lack of penetration into the backfield was reflected in the defense’s third down conversion percentage, which ranked 118th in the country and 10th in the Pac-12.

But it gets even uglier.

Oregon’s fourth-down conversion defense was 11th in the league and 111th in the FBS, its tackles for loss per game was 110th, and its Red Zone defense was 95th.

Each of those categories indicates struggles along the defensive line, clearly pointing to what Lanning must improve in his first season.

Greatest Strength

On the opposite end of the spectrum, Oregon’s offensive line is World Class.

Alex Forsyth, T.J. Bass, Ryan Walk, and Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu all return to lead a unit that was No. 12 in the country in tackles for loss allowed per game.

The group was similarly strong in pass protection, finishing fourth in the Conference in sacks allowed per game.

But the strength up front was most felt in UO’s third down conversion percentage. The Ducks were No. 4 in the nation on third down, converting 51.1 percent of the time.

The unit returns nearly all of its starting members along with five-star freshman Josh Conerly Jr., solidifying Oregon’s image as a team that wins the offensive trenches.

Biggest Concern

The Ducks have enjoyed elite recruiting over the past several years, but enter the season with some potential questions along the D-Line.

Washington transfer Taimani and Nebraska transfers Jordon Riley and Casey Rogers have been brought in to help.

Taimani probably ends up starting and playing a major role along with Dorlus, but Aumavae and Swinson are both capable of contributing their fair share.

DJ Johnson is another option on the edge, although he may line up mostly at linebacker this year.

Yet, for a team expecting to contend for the Playoff, the relative concerns up front are worrying. Lanning’s command of the group figures to have a sizable impact on the trajectory of the season.

Deciding Factors

All teams tend to live and die by their quarterback, but with Nix at the helm it could be a double-or-nothing result for Oregon.

The offensive line should provide gobs of time for the veteran QB, and the backs should do plenty of damage, arguably putting games on the shoulders of Nix and his receivers.

The wideout group is a mix of returners with experience and talented transfers. Cota and Chapman combined for almost 500 yards receiving last year, while Hutson, Franklin, and Seven McGee together notched a total of over 700 yards receiving.

The group did lose its leading WR in Devon Williams and its third-most productive wideout in Johnny Johnson III, but the young talent is primed to takeover this season.

The unit is arguably the sole question on UO’s offense, and their production could be the difference between a Playoff appearance and another loss in the Pac-12 Championship Game.

Schedule Analysis

Oregon opens the year in Atlanta against the defending National Champions. The matchup pits Lanning against his old team, creating an extra layer of intensity in what promises to be one of the top games of the season.

The game is probably closer than many expect, but figures to end in a Duck loss.