Phil Steele’s 2021 Oregon forecast calls for another big season

Phil Steele ranked Oregon football No. 19 in the nation and No. 4 in the PAC-12 in his 2021 forecast. After a 4-3 record and a PAC-12 title in the abbreviated 2020 season, the Ducks look to bounce back with a reloaded roster. Mario Cristobal returns 14 starters from last season with transfers filling key roles on both sides. The 2021 Oregon forecast predicts an improved team that will struggle with the tough schedule but provides a chance at another conference championship.

“The Ducks do play Ohio State, Stanford, Washington and Utah on the road this year but are capable of repeating as PAC-12 champs as one of the most talented teams in the country,” Steele wrote in his 2021 Oregon forecast.

Offense

The Oregon offense returns nine starters and hands the reins to Boston College transfer Anthony Brown this season. In 2020, Brown sat out due to the former NCAA transfer guidelines before taking over heading into this season. All the main targets are back for another season, starting with running back CJ Verdell. The wide receiving core features Mycah Pittman, Devon Williams and Johnny Johnson, plus top-100 freshmen Troy Franklin and Dont’e Thornton. The offensive line loses Penei Sewell at left tackle but returns four upperclassmen with Steven Jones projected to start over freshman Kingsley Suamataia.

Defense

Former five-star prospect and NFL target Kayvon Thibodeaux headlines a high-powered defense. In 2019, the Ducks gave up just 16.5 points per game but regressed to 28.3 against a full slate of Power Five games in 2020. The Ducks return seven starters and get Boise State transfer Jordan Happle eligible at safety. Isaac Slade-Matautia and Noah Sewell combined for 97 tackles in seven games during 2020. Alongside Happle, Mykael Wright, D.J. James and Verone McKinley return to the secondary. New defensive coordinator Tim DeRuyter looks to take the team back to its 2019 form with a full schedule.

Special Teams

Oregon’s special teams unit has not cracked the top 50 in more than five seasons, according to Steele. His 2021 Oregon forecast shows cautious optimism of improvement with the 2020 group back intact. Henry Katleman won the kicking job last season and retains the spot going into 2021. Punter Tom Snee averaged 43.2 yards per punt last season, more than eight yards over his 2019 stats.

Coaches

Cristobal is in his fourth season at Oregon and has a 25-10 record. He is 2-1 in bowl games with a 2019 Rose Bowl win over Wisconsin. Second-year offensive coordinator Joe Moorhead has an experienced group of versatile players to build around. DeRuyter will work alongside co-defensive coordinator Joe Salave’a on the other side of the ball. Bobby Williams returns as special teams coordinator.