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The 2026 season will be here before we know it, and these 11 Duck upperclassmen could break out and have big roles come next season.

The excellence of underclassmen was one of the underlying themes of the Oregon Ducks in 2025, with a number of surprise contributors stepping into prominent roles.

For a program like the Ducks that repeatedly has highly-talented players joining the team year-after-year, that's not completely uncommon.

But at the same time, some players need more time to thrive and grow. Not everyone is like true freshman five-star Dakorien Moore, who emerged right away (albeit with the injury to Evan Stewart being a factor) as Dante Moore's No. 1 target on the outside. On the opposite side of the ball, Brandon Finney Jr., a four-star true freshman, secured one of the outside cornerback spots rather early in the season. True freshman running backs Jordon Davison and Dierre Hill Jr. were two parts of a three-headed monster in the backfield.

The list continues of underclassmen who broke out as key contributors for the Ducks in 2025.

But there were also several upperclassmen who paved a similar path, surprising nearly everyone by becoming a key cog during the team's run to the College Football Playoff Semifinal.

Wide receiver Malik Benson, running back Noah Whittington, tight end Kenyon Sadiq, edge rusher Teitum Tuioti, cornerback Jadon Canady and many more represent upperclassmen who broke out last season.

Shifting our focus to 2026, what players could fit in the same category? We listed 11 Duck upperclassman who have a chance of making significant strides and breaking out come next season.

LB Jerry Mixon

Oregon inside linebackers Bryce Boettcher, right, and Jerry Mixon celebrate after a forced fumble as the Oregon Ducks take on the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the Orange Bowl on Jan. 1, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida.

Year in 2026: Senior

Career Stats: 65 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 2 INTs, 7 PDs

Analysis: While Jerry Mixon took a major step forward in 2025, recording 57 tackles versus just three in 2024, there's still untapped potential here. Bryce Boettcher was the main leader of the linebacking group and was a heat-seeking missile towards the ball, ultimately collecting 136 tackles. Now, the onus will largely be on Mixon in the linebacking room. He showcased his talent last season but another leap forward will be needed.

TE Jamari Johnson

Oregon tight end Jamari Johnson hauls in a touchdown reception as the Oregon Ducks face the Indiana Hoosiers in the Peach Bowl on Jan. 9, 2026, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.

Year in 2026: Redshirt Junior

Career Stats: 45 catches, 668 yards, 4 TDs

Analysis: Some would say that Jamari Johnson's 2025 campaign could be classified as a breakout. And it certainly could, as I'm sure nobody expected him to total nearly 700 receiving yards and lead the Ducks in receiving in three games down the stretch of the season. But with Sadiq gone, Johnson steps into the bona-fide TE1 role and will see even more targets this season. He has an impressive combination of size (6-foot-5, 257 pounds), burst and great hands that enabled him to become one of Moore's most trusted targets. With Moore back, Johnson is set for a monster year.

OT Gernorris Wilson

Oct 25, 2025; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks offensive tackle Gernorris Wilson (35) catches a touchdown pass during the second half against the Wisconsin Badgers at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Year in 2026: Redshirt Junior

Analysis: Having filled in admirably over the last two seasons at right tackle, Gernorris Wilson could potentially be stepping into a starting spot with 2025 starter Alex Harkey graduating. He'll have competition, namely from Yale transfer Michael Bennett, but Wilson has already proven to this staff that he's just fine blocking on the edges.

WR Iverson Hooks

UABâ€™s wide receiver Iverson Hooks (0) carries the ball against Alabama State during their game at Protective Stadium in Birmingham Ala., on Thursday evening August 27, 2025.

Year in 2026: Redshirt Junior

Career Stats: 97 catches, 1,225 yards, 10 TDs

Analysis: During Dan Lanning's tenure, multiple players have decided to end their college careers at Oregon and have boosted themselves into a higher draft stock. Iverson Hooks may be one of those guys, as he's currently not on the radar of NFL scouts but certainly could be with a big season like he had last year at UAB in recording 927 yards despite erratic quarterback play. The 5-foot-10, 175-pound jitterbug could excel in the slot, quickly emerging as one of Moore's top targets. Hooks was a second-team All-AAC selection in 2025 and could do even more with an elite quarterback.

S Peyton Woodyard

Oregon defensive back Peyton Woodyard scores off an interception as the Oregon Ducks host the Oklahoma State Cowboys on Sept. 6, 2025, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon.

Year in 2026: Junior

Career Stats: 31 tackles, 1 INT

Analysis:Peyton Woodyard began the season in a rotation with Aaron Flowers and Dillon Thieneman before eventually ceding almost all of his playing time to that duo. Despite Flowers returning, Minnesota transfer Koi Perich coming in and two young safeties in Trey McNutt and Davon Benjamin also competing for time, Woodyard has all the talent to push his way into the rotation and keep his spot this time. The St. John Bosco product had an impressive pick-six against Oklahoma State, revealing a playmaking ability that we could see more of next season.

WR Jeremiah McClellan

Dec 20, 2025; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks wide receiver Jeremiah McClellan (11) runs after making a catch as James Madison Dukes defensive back DJ Barksdale (32) defends during the first quarter at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images