Standing behind both the offensive and defensive backfields for much of the Oregon Ducks' 2026 spring game, head coach Dan Lanning got a firsthand look of the Fighting Ducks and Combat Ducks.
He saw several players in particular stand out, with pass rushers Bleu Dantzler and Aydin Breland each recording multiple sacks. Wide receivers Evan Stewart and Dakorien Moore had big days, both going over 100 yards receiving with a touchdown apiece. Others struggled, with the offensive line faltering for parts of the day to protect the quarterback and open up running lanes. Cornerback Brandon Finney Jr. allowed several catches down the field in man coverage against Moore.
But all in all, it was a day in which the improvement of the group was showcased from the first day of spring practices prior to Oregon's spring break in late March. For Lanning, a couple aspects in particular stuck out.
"I think the intelligence of this group is really high," he told reporters postgame. "The acumen and ability to execute offensive and defensive plays is really up there. They know and understand what we're trying to do."
He revealed several times throughout the press conference that the schemes that the Ducks put on the field were rather vanilla, so as to not put too much on film, as the game was broadcast on Big Ten Network. Therefore, the plays that we saw, which takes into account the improvements that were demonstrated on the field, is just the tip of the iceberg.
"We have a lot of stuff packaged well that these guys can operate really well, so I'd say that part is ahead," Lanning said. "We became a much more connected team this spring, and that has to continue as we go through the remainder of this offseason."
On Saturday, as is often the occurrence during spring games, the defensive front seven on both teams won the battle against the offensive line. Oregon quarterbacks were sacked upwards of ten times, while the running backs struggled to break free up the middle.
"We have to get stronger," Lanning said. "We have to continue to become the physical team that we've been here in the past. There are a lot of areas still for growth, but I think we're a really smart team right now and understand what we want to accomplish."
The talent is clearly there to compete — and win — a national championship come this fall. The execution and intelligence of the team, considering it's the end of April, is very high. The physicality will have to step it up, but an entire set of summer workouts and fall practices remain before the Ducks will take the field again at Autzen Stadium for their 2026 season-opener against Boise State on Sept. 5.
And if history is any indication, Lanning will have his team prepared and ready come that day, building upon a very successful spring ball.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Dan Lanning details where Ducks improved most during spring season