Dan Lanning is finally leading a No. 1 team in the nation with a strong 8-0 season. Oregon’s last 38-9 win against Illinois marked the end of ranked opponents on their schedule of four remaining games. The Ducks have been dominating college football in nearly every aspect. But they choose to stay on the humble side, as is evident in how their star OL sees their season so far. 

For Marcus Harper II, being the best in the game doesn’t mean there still isn’t a lot to prove. When he was asked in our exclusive interview if there’s a moment with being the offensive lineman of the Ducks that stood out, he said, “Honestly no. We still have a lot more to prove, so I wouldn’t say there has been one thing that kind of like ‘yup that’s icing on the cake’ proof.”

Marcus Harper II had been part of Oregon since the 2020 shortened season. He played his second freshman season in 2021 before getting starting nods at left guard in his sophomore year. As a junior in 2023, he started all the Ducks’ 14 games at a left guard with 749 snaps. He allowed zero sacks and only six total pressures in 432 total pass-blocking plays. He’s one of the players who stayed back in college in 2024 despite being NFL-draft eligible. 

This season, Marcus Harper II exudes preparedness in his speech when he said, “Me as an offensive lineman, that’s still, looking forward to come which is exciting cause as the Ducks have a lot of football left in us, in this team, in this ‘24 team. When the moment happens, I’ll be able to answer the question but it hasn’t happened yet.” Contrary to majority of beliefs, their biggest test could lie in the next game against Michigan because they pose a defensive threat to the Ducks.

Can Oregon survive Michigan’s defense?

The Wolverines’ interior defensive line is packed with talent particularly Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant who are both projected first round picks in the 2025 NFL Draft. Prior to their matchup, Oregon HC Dan Lanning also voiced his concerns over the threats. He said, “You watch them, they’re game-wreckers. They’re guys that you have to have a game plan for.”

Oregon’s road game against Michigan at Michigan Stadium is going to be anything but a walk in the park. Graham leads the Wolverines with 30 tackles while Grant recorded 18. Center Iapani Laloulu said, “They’re stout, one of the best we’re going to be going against… It’s up to us O-line, mainly the three interior, me, Marcus Harper II, and Nishad Strother, to stop and put on a game with them and play our [football.]” November 3 is going to be a true test between the two Big Ten programs. We hope the Ducks are prepared for their upcoming challenge after their Halloween extravaganza.