Dan Lanning continues building something special in Eugene. From recruiting to NIL, the Oregon Ducks are looking to become mainstays in the national title conversation. Former Ducks running back Bucky Irving spoke at the NFL Combine about why fans should be excited for the future.

Bucky Irving Believes in the Oregon Ducks’ Returning Talent

Even with the losses sustained due to graduation or the NFL Draft, Irving reminded everyone that the Ducks have plenty of returning talent too.

“Tez Johnson, Jordan James, Noah Whittington, they got Terrance Ferguson. I mean, they’re gonna keep that thing rolling,” Irving told Pro Football Network’s Ian Cummings.

He also gave us an insight on the mentality of the running back room, stating that “we all had success.”

It’s hard to argue against that after looking at the stats from last year. Irving led the team with 1,180 yards and 11 touchdowns. James was behind him with 759 yards and another 11 scores. Whittington only played in four games for the Ducks last year, but had 779 yards and five touchdowns for Oregon in 2022.

“I feel like all them guys are gonna have a great year in that room,” Irving stated. The rushing attack should be in good hands with James and Whittington back, and there are multiple returning starters on the offensive line that will help too.

Lanning and his staff continue winning the offseason as well, bringing in talent from the transfer portal and at the high school level. The Ducks signed the third best class in the 2024 cycle and the seventh best transfer portal class according to On3.

Players like Dillon Gabriel (Oklahoma), Evan Stewart (Texas A&M), Jabbar Muhammad (Washington), and Jamaree Caldwell (Houston) headline the instant impact players from the portal.

How well they gel will impact how the Ducks do in their first year in the Big Ten, with many expecting them to immediately compete for a conference title.

KEEP READING: 2024 Big Ten Power Rankings

It’s still early in Lanning’s tenure with the Ducks, but there are multiple reasons to be excited for the future. Irving gave us insight into this year, but there’s plenty of proof that Lanning is building something special in the Pacific Northwest.

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