So now, heading into the 2026 season, with arguably the most proven returning roster in the nation and legitimate national championship aspirations, what is the biggest question the Ducks have to answer? ESPN weighed in on that subject, and they think it's about whether Oregon can prove it has what it lacked in each of the last two seasons when the lights are brightest. "Two games don't overrule all the brilliance they otherwise showed, but when it counted the most, they were overwhelmed at the line of scrimmage and didn't have enough playmakers to make up for it," ESPN's Bill Connelly writes.

"The Ducks will have to navigate a tricky schedule, with road trips to USC and Ohio State and visits from Michigan and Washington, while also knowing that they need to save fifth gear for December and January, especially in the trenches. Can they stick the landing this time?"Looking at the Ducks' slate, there are some potential landmines across the schedule. In the non-conference, they have potentially tough matchups against the Boise State Broncos and Oklahoma State Cowboys, as well as a pair of brutal road trips to Los Angeles and Columbus.

However, if Oregon is as good as expected, they should be able to navigate their way into the College Football Playoff for a third straight year. If that happens, it will be time to see if they can answer the age-old question that has plagued the Ducks for decades: Can they win the big one?Contact/Follow @Ducks_Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinions. This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: ESPN highlights biggest question for Oregon Ducks in 2026 season