Oregon’s head coach Dan Lanning took a measured look at the team’s first scrimmage of the 2026 campaign, using the session to gauge physicality, ball security and special‑teams execution.
He praised the squad’s energy and the strides made by several youngsters, noting that Noah Whittington and Bryce Boettcher have begun to operate at a level that resembles NFL readiness.
The coaching staff also saw promising flashes from the pass rush, after introducing new drill work that appeared to tighten the defensive front.
Lanning pointed out that while kickoff placement and punt positioning were still a work in progress, the overall ball‑handling metrics showed improvement.
Areas for Improvement
The coach highlighted tackling consistency and special‑teams precision as the next focal points, promising additional film study and practice drills to sharpen those elements.
Leadership emerged as a theme, with Jerry Mixon stepping forward as a vocal presence, though Lanning indicated he expects an even louder voice from Mixon in the weeks ahead.
Looking toward the season opener against Boise State, the Ducks are preparing for a grueling schedule, focusing on teamwork, leadership and continuous growth.