Oregon OC Drew Mehringer gives updated look at O-Line position battles

One of the more intriguing storylines taking place during the Oregon Ducks ' 2026 spring practices is within the offensive trenches. While the center and right guard positions are essentially settled, with Iapani Laloulu and Dave Iuli returning as starters, the left tackle, left guard and right tackle spots will have new starters with the departures of Isaiah World, Emmanuel Pregnon and Alex Harkey. For a squad that has been named a Joe Moore Award semifinalist in each of the last five seasons, and was a finalist in 2025, there's pressure to fill those spots with elite players.

With spring practices taking place, competition is of utmost importance in determining who will get the nod at those three spots this fall. According to Oregon offensive coordinator Drew Mehringer, the competition — which is a mix of players who've waited their turn with talented youngsters — is making everyone involved better. "I think there's a lot of competition, and there's been some guys that have been here that are chomping at the bit," Mehringer told reporters on Monday.

"They're looking for their opportunity. And I think there's some young guys in there that have shown, hey, these guys can do some things. Don't think that we'll know the answer to that, probably until the middle of August of what we think the five are going to be.

" Beginning at arguably the most important piece of the offensive line, the left tackle spot has two guys competing for one spot. Redshirt sophomore Fox Crader waited his turn last season, operating largely as a depth piece behind World. He did, however, come in against the USC Trojans late in the season due to injury and impressed, putting himself on track to start once World departed.