As we reach the midpoint of July, the college football offseason is nearing its end, with the new season set to kick off in about a month and a half. The excitement among fans is palpable, fueled both by the upcoming season and the recent release of the EA Sports NCAA 25 video game. College football fever is sweeping the nation, and one fan base buzzing with anticipation is that of the Oregon Ducks, who are gearing up for a pivotal season.
This year promises to be significant for several reasons. College football is undergoing major changes, some of which will debut this season. Let’s explore some of these anticipated shifts:
First, new rules are being introduced, and not all fans are thrilled. The most notable change is the addition of a two-minute warning, which many see as another opportunity for TV networks to insert more commercials. This is on top of the already prevalent commercial breaks in today’s game.
However, the more substantial changes involve conference realignment and the expansion of the College Football Playoff. Next year’s college football landscape will be vastly different due to these shifts. For example, schools from California joining the Atlantic Coast Conference highlights just how transformative these changes will be.
Conference realignment has dramatically altered the college football landscape. The traditional Power Five conferences have been upended, with the Pac-12 essentially disbanded. The remaining teams from the Pac-12 have scattered to new conferences, leaving only Oregon State and Washington State, who have arranged scheduling partnerships with the Mountain West.
Other Pac-12 teams have found new homes: Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and Arizona State are now part of the Big 12; Oregon, Oregon State, USC, and UCLA have joined the Big Ten; and Cal and Stanford have moved to the ACC.
The SEC is also undergoing significant changes, with Oklahoma and Texas set to depart the Big 12 and join the SEC. This shift is positioning the Big Ten and SEC to potentially become the dominant super conferences in college football.
This season will also see an expansion of the College Football Playoff to 12 teams. While some are skeptical about this increase, it promises more high-stakes games and excitement throughout the season.
Overall, this promises to be one of the most transformative college football seasons in history, marking the beginning of a new era.
Oregon football, in particular, is generating significant buzz as it transitions to the Big Ten. Many experts predict that the Ducks could win the conference in their first year. Last season, Oregon narrowly missed out on winning the Pac-12 and securing a spot in the College Football Playoff, falling short against Washington in both the regular season and the conference championship game.
With the playoff expanding to 12 teams, failing to make the playoff would be a major letdown for Oregon. The Ducks are expected to qualify, but their goal extends beyond mere participation; they aim to win the Big Ten and secure a first-round playoff bye.
The top four ranked conference champions will earn a bye, making the conference championship crucial. Winning the conference not only provides a significant advantage but also offers extra rest before the playoffs.
Oregon is anticipated to be a top contender in the Big Ten, bolstered by key transfers and returning stars from last season. Here are the top three returners for the Ducks this year.
1. Tez Johnson, WR
Wide receiver Tez Johnson stands out as the top returning player for Oregon this season. After a stellar 2023 where he amassed 86 receptions for 1,182 yards and 10 touchdowns, Johnson is set to be even more formidable in 2024. With Dillon Gabriel expected to be a Heisman contender, Johnson will benefit from another elite quarterback, keeping defenses on their toes. He’s poised to be among the top wide receivers in the nation, further enhancing a potent Oregon offense.
2. Jordan James, RB
Running back Jordan James is a key asset for Oregon’s offense, especially as the team transitions to the Big Ten. James is expected to lead the backfield this season, building on his impressive performance from last year where he rushed 107 times for 759 yards and 11 touchdowns, averaging over seven yards per carry. With a dynamic array of offensive weapons, James is set to have a standout year and make a significant impact.
3.Terrance Ferguson, TE
Tight end Terrance Ferguson may not have had a standout season last year, but his performance was solid and he’s expected to improve in 2024. In the Big Ten, where tight ends play a crucial role, Ferguson’s skills will be invaluable. Last season, he caught 42 passes for 414 yards and six touchdowns. His presence will be vital as Oregon adapts to the physical play of their new conference, making him a significant asset in their offensive strategy.
