David Pollack, a former Georgia Bulldogs star and host of the CFB podcast "See Ball, Get Ball," has issued a caution to Oregon Duck fans as they look ahead to the 2026 season.
The Ducks enter the year with lofty championship aspirations, buoyed by the return of quarterback Dante Moore and a roster that promises to contend.
However, Pollack points out that the team will be without two of last season’s top coordinators, Will Stein and Tosh Lupoi, whose departures leave sizable shoes to fill.
A Risky Transition
Stein, celebrated for his offensive ingenuity and previous impact at Kentucky, and Lupoi, described by peers as a "motherfreaking dog" in play‑calling, were integral to Oregon’s high‑scoring scheme.
Head coach Dan Lanning now faces the familiar challenge of reshaping a unit after losing elite assistants, a task he has handled before but one that always carries uncertainty.
New Architects
Drew Mehringer, formerly the tight ends coach, has been elevated to offensive coordinator, a move that some analysts liken to an "offensive scientist" approach, drawing comparisons to a mastermind like Albert Einstein.
On the defensive side, Chris Hampton, who spent recent years as co‑defensive coordinator at Tulane and before that at other programs, now leads the Ducks’ defense as head defensive coordinator.
Both Mehringer and Hampton bring proven track records, and the university’s fan base remains confident that the new staff can adapt and thrive despite the loss of their predecessors.
Pollack’s warning, however, reminds supporters that optimism must be tempered with an awareness of the transition’s inherent risks.