While the College Football Playoff’s Elite Eight is filled with future NFL stars and top draft picks, the Oregon Ducks stand out for their unconventional approach to building a championship-caliber team. According to a recent article by Max Chadwick of Pro Football Focus (PFF), Oregon lacks the marquee, first-round NFL draft talent seen on other playoff teams. Yet, the Ducks have risen to the No. 1 ranking in the nation through a distinctive team-first mentality and an ability to thrive in the modern “portal era” of college football.
Draft Rankings Highlight Oregon’s Contrasting Approach
Chadwick’s analysis of the top NFL draft prospects from playoff teams underscores Oregon’s unique position. For example, Georgia safety Malaki Starks is projected to be a top-seven pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, potentially earning a $26 million contract. Similarly, Texas offensive tackle Kelvin Banks is expected to go 11th, while Penn State defensive end Abdul Carter is forecasted as a top-five selection.
However, Oregon’s highest-rated prospect is quarterback Dillon Gabriel, ranked just 53rd overall. This sets the Ducks apart, as they are the only team in the Elite Eight without a projected first-round pick. In contrast, Georgia’s 2021 national championship squad had an astonishing 26 players drafted, including seven first-rounders, most of them from a historically dominant defense coached by Dan Lanning, who now leads the Ducks.
Building a Team, Not Just a Roster
Despite not having top-tier NFL prospects, Oregon thrives on its resilience and cohesion. The Ducks are a testament to the idea that success in college football isn’t solely about individual talent but about how well a team plays together. Head coach Dan Lanning has assembled a group of players who embody leadership, intelligence, and grit—qualities that shine brightest in high-pressure situations.
The team’s identity centers around quarterback Dillon Gabriel, a leader who was recently named Academic Player of the Year in the College Football Playoff. At 5’11” and roughly 200 pounds, Gabriel doesn’t fit the prototypical NFL quarterback mold, nor does he have the physical tools that scouts drool over. Instead, his strengths lie in his calm demeanor, sharp decision-making, and ability to inspire trust and confidence in his teammates.
“Four or five quarterbacks will likely be drafted ahead of Gabriel,” Chadwick notes, “but there’s no one you’d rather have leading your team in the Rose Bowl.”
Depth Over Star Power
Oregon’s success stems from its depth and collective strength. Players like Jordan Burch, Derrick Harmon, Tez Johnson, Josh Conerly, Ajani Cornelius, Jabbar Muhammad, and Terrance Ferguson may not crack the first round of the NFL Draft, but they form the backbone of a well-rounded and cohesive unit. Together, they represent a team that thrives on calmness in the face of chaos, embodying both heart and intellect.
The Ducks’ roster also includes promising underclassmen with future NFL potential, such as defensive standout Matayo Uiagalelei and offensive lineman Iapani Laloulu, a fierce and mobile force at center. Wide receiver Evan Stewart, if he returns for another season, could skyrocket up draft boards as a featured playmaker in 2026.
The “Moneyball” of College Football
Oregon’s approach mirrors the principles of “Moneyball”—building a winning team not by chasing star power but by finding undervalued talent and maximizing it. For instance, offensive lineman Ajani Cornelius was a little-known recruit from the University of Rhode Island. Since then, he has transformed into a reliable and athletic 6’5”, 315-pound force. Similarly, players like Josh Conerly have developed into key contributors who embody the team’s ethos of hard work and reliability.
Playing for Each Other
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of this Oregon team is its selflessness. While individual accolades and professional futures await many of its players, the Ducks are focused solely on winning a championship. Their resilience and commitment to one another have carried them through challenges and adversity, making them a unique and formidable force in college football.
A Blueprint for the Future
As the landscape of college football evolves with the rise of NIL deals and the transfer portal, Oregon’s success offers a blueprint for building a team in the modern era. The Ducks have proven that it’s not about having the most NFL-ready talent but about cultivating a culture of unity, adaptability, and shared purpose.
With kickoff looming in the College Football Playoff, Oregon’s unique philosophy will face its toughest test yet. But win or lose, the Ducks have already shown that there’s more than one way to reach the pinnacle of college football—and their way might just be the most sustainable of all.
