Reports: Inside Oregon Football’s Fatal Flaw That Will Doom National Championship Hopes

There might be just one thing that could hold the Ducks back from winning their first national title in 2024.

The 2024 college football season could feature the strongest Oregon football team in the program’s history, supported by an impressive roster.

Offensively, the Ducks are expected to rank among the best units in the nation, potentially even improving on last year’s performance, despite losing their starting quarterback, center, top receiver, and running back. Last season, Oregon boasted the second-best total and scoring offense, along with the top passing offense, led by rookie quarterback Bo Nix, now with the Denver Broncos. This year, the responsibility falls to Oklahoma transfer Dillon Gabriel.

Gabriel seems to provide a seamless transition from Nix, thanks to his extensive experience and success. Plus, he’ll benefit from one of the nation’s top receiving corps, potentially strengthened by the addition of Texas A&M transfer Evan Stewart. The Ducks also have a top-five offensive line and a pool of skilled running backs, giving offensive coordinator Will Stein ample resources to work with.

The defense is impressive as well. Last year, it ranked ninth in the country for scoring defense, allowing an average of 318 yards and 16.5 points per game. While some players have departed for the NFL and the transfer portal, like safety Cole Martin, Oregon has largely retained its roster and even added Washington cornerback Jabbar Muhammad, one of the best players from the Huskies’ secondary.

What, then, could hinder this team from claiming the national title or at least reaching the championship game? Upon closer examination, the Ducks’ one potential weakness might be a lack of a pass rush, though that assessment may slightly overstate the concern.

Oregon football’s pass rush: a potential Achilles’ heel?

While most of this year’s Oregon football team has remained consistent from last season, the defense experienced the most significant turnover, including the departure of top pass rusher Brandon Dorlus to the NFL. Fortunately, the transfer portal should help address some of these gaps, with players like Derrick Harmon from Michigan State and Jamaree Caldwell from Houston set to reinforce the defensive line. The key question is whether they can produce a pass rush.

Last year’s defense ranked 37th in the nation with 34 sacks but was only 100th in tackles for loss, totaling 71. This is the situation Oregon brings as they head into the Big Ten this season.