DSC Inside Read: Offense Seeks Consistency as Fall Practice Intensifies

 

RECRUITING NOTES

Following the commitment of Deuce Geralds to LSU, the immediate question was obvious: What’s next?

This year’s cycle is shaping up differently. For the most part, programs have already put their best foot forward with top prospects, and the idea of late flips seems less likely than ever. Unless Oregon changes its recruiting approach—dramatically increasing NIL offers to prospects already committed elsewhere—it’s hard to imagine those players budging.

Will the staff stop talking to guys like TomTom Topui, Geralds, or Bott Mulitalo? Not likely, as long as those players are open to keeping the relationship alive in case something shifts between now and signing day. But consider the broader message it would send if the Ducks were to suddenly offer Topui significantly more than they already did. How would that affect current commits? Or other prospects considering Oregon? Or even future classes?

When you violate your own principles—even if you win a battle—you risk losing the war.

So yes, I expect Oregon’s staff to stay in contact with some of the committed defensive tackles. But unless there’s a major shift in their NIL valuations, I wouldn’t count on a flip.

---

The next storyline centers around whether the Ducks will push for Cedar Hill (TX) five-star Jalen Brewster, the No. 1 defensive tackle in the 2027 class, to reclassify. It’s certainly possible. And while Brewster has said in interviews that Oregon is “setting the pace,” that dynamic changes quickly when a reclassification is in play. If Brewster moves to 2026, every major program in the country will come calling—especially those willing to overspend.

Will Oregon go all in? Absolutely. Brewster is a game-changer in the middle and would be an elite addition to the class. But if he reclassifies, I wouldn’t count this one as even close to a done deal.

---

Another angle to consider: late bloomers. Every cycle, new names emerge during the fall season—players who explode onto the scene and generate new interest from national programs. Don’t be surprised if someone from the 2026 class fits that mold and draws Oregon’s attention.

And if that doesn’t happen? The transfer portal remains an option. The Ducks continue to build a roster that minimizes portal dependency, but sometimes it’s a necessary tool—especially when filling gaps along the interior defensive line.

It’s worth noting that the addition of Tony Cumberland has flown a bit under the radar. He’s a legitimate talent and bolsters a room that already has plenty of depth. Still, the staff clearly wants one more interior defensive lineman. Whether that comes from a late-rising high school prospect, a reclassified five-star, or the portal remains to be seen.

But don’t mistake a missed flip for failure. Oregon is playing the long game—strategically, and with discipline.

---

FOOTBALL NOTES: Defense Tightens Screws, Offense Seeks Consistency as Fall Practice Intensifies

Oregon wrapped up its third fall practice over the weekend, and while media access remains restricted during on-field activities, coordinators Tosh Lupoi and Will Stein offered insight into what’s unfolding behind the scenes. Through their words, a picture is beginning to form: a defense looking to turn its talent into dominance and an offense searching for cohesion and execution.

Lupoi Sets a Relentless Tone

Defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi didn’t mince words when describing the expectations for his unit.

“This is Phase Five,” Lupoi said, referring to Oregon’s internal seasonal structure. “Now the expectations have grown. Those guys that came aboard—mistakes that might have been tolerated early on aren’t acceptable now.”

Lupoi believes the defense has a chance to be dangerous, with depth, length, and experience in place. But he’s making it clear that talent alone won’t be enough.

“We just lost roughly $42 million between three guys up front,” Lupoi said, referencing the NFL salaries of Oregon’s former defensive linemen. “We’re looking for impact players. This is your opportunity.”

He singled out Elijah Rushing as a player embracing that challenge. “That guy is absolutely going to challenge everybody in the building. He comes in for extra meetings, asks questions, stays late. It’s important to him.”

Lupoi also praised Matayo Uiagalelei’s unique intelligence and versatility.

“He plays SAM backer, JACK backer, big end edge, three-tech. Just a unique guy,” Lupoi said. “His communication jumped off the Richter scale the day the guys reported. He was directing the whole defense during conditioning drills. That’s what separates him.”

The Ducks’ length in the secondary—a focal point in offseason recruiting—is already paying off, even if Lupoi isn’t planning sweeping schematic changes.

“Our system is built around length, speed, short-area quickness, and physical tackling,” he said. “Now we don’t have to rely on smoke and mirrors to hide match-up issues.”

That growth includes returners, like Jahlil Florence, who is bouncing back from injury.

“He’s letting it rip. It’s been a daily stride, but he’s full speed now and doing good things for us,” Lupoi said.

As for the practice tempo, Lupoi emphasized a day-one mindset—relentlessly focused on effort, not last year’s accomplishments.

“We’re not taking the poisonous pill of success or depression,” Lupoi said. “We treat every day like it’s day one. A poet once said, ‘I’m gonna treat every single day like I’m an intern.’ You know who that was? Notorious B.I.G.”

Stein Looking for Command and Connection

Offensive coordinator Will Stein is tasked with developing rhythm and reliability in a retooled offense still finding its identity.

“We’re still in the installation phase,” Stein said. “But as we move forward, we’ll settle into what we’re really good at schematically and build into that first week.”

Much of the offseason focus has been on quarterback Dante Moore, who transferred from UCLA and is vying to lead the Ducks’ new-look offense.

“I think Dante’s really tried to take a leadership role,” Stein said. “But the biggest growth for him is just taking what the defense gives you. You take what they give you, they’ll give you the game.”

The receiver room has been hit hard by turnover—and injury, with presumed No. 1 wideout Evan Stewart sidelined.

“Losing Evan was definitely tough,” Stein acknowledged. “But it’s next man up. We’ve got a group that’s inexperienced but talented.”

Among the candidates to emerge: Kyler Kasper.

“Kyler’s been a little injury-plagued, but he’s super talented,” Stein said. “We need him to play big. He can make plays down the field.”

Stein’s confidence in the overall offense doesn’t rest solely on receivers, either.

“Our tight end core is phenomenal—Kenyon Sadiq, Jamari Johnson, Roger Saleapaga,” he said. “And our running back room is deep with Noah, Jayden, and Dink Riggs.”

The offensive line remains a question mark after losing multiple veterans. Communication and physicality are top priorities.

“What we need is Poncho [Laloulu] to be that guy,” Stein said. “His leadership has taken a step this summer. And guys like Isaiah World, Emmanuel Pregnon, Alex Harkey—they’re big, physical players.”

Practice Structure and Competitive Edge

Both coordinators addressed the adjustment to Oregon’s reduced practice space, with construction temporarily limiting the team to one outdoor field.

“It’s pure chaos—organized chaos,” Lupoi said. “Balls flying in both directions. But you use what you got.”

Stein echoed that sentiment.

“We practiced on the game field when I was at Lake Travis,” he said. “Coach Lanning and the support staff have done a phenomenal job managing logistics. It’s been smooth.”

What’s been most evident in the early stages of camp, Stein said, is the elite competition brewing each day.

“Our defense is the best I’ve ever been around,” Stein said. “And it’s not close. It’s been great for our young offense to go against that every day.”

While Lupoi and Stein bring very different energies to their roles—Lupoi is intense and philosophical, Stein detail-driven and pragmatic—they’re united in demanding urgency, attention to detail, and consistency.

“There’s no time to wait until Week Three,” Stein said. “We want to hit on all cylinders in Week One.”

Looking Ahead

With practices set to continue this week, the Oregon staff will be refining roles and sharpening execution. The message from both sides of the ball is clear: there’s talent, but execution will define success.

“Every day is a fresh start,” Lupoi said. “The standard is the standard. Now it’s time to live up to it.”