The Oregon Ducks may have the most talented team in the Big Ten entering 2026.While the conference has typically been dominated by the likes of Ohio State, Penn State, and Michigan, Oregon has tied the Buckeyes with the most players on the first team Big Ten offense and defense, according to The Athletic's Scott Dochterman.Oregon defensive back Ify Obidegwu, left, defensive back Brandon Finney Jr. and inside linebacker Jerry Mixon celebrate an interception by Finney 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. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters ConnectOregon Ducks Shine on Preseason All-Conference TeamsThe five Ducks that made the cut are tight end Jamari Johnson, center Iapani "Poncho" Laloulu, defensive tackle A'Mauri Washington, cornerback Brandon Finney, and safety Koi Perich. Meanwhile, the five Ohio State players on the first team are quarterback Julian Sayin, running back Bo Jackson, wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, linebacker Payton Pierce, and safety Jaylen McClain.Other Oregon players were represented on the second team like quarterback Dante Moore, defensive linemen Matayo Uiagalelei, Teitum Tuioti, and Bear Alexander. The Ducks that made the third team include running back Jordon Davison, wide receivers Evan Stewart and Dakorien Moore, and offensive lineman Dave Iuli. The Ducks had a total of 13 players on all three teams, the most in the entire conference, signaling that Oregon coach Dan Lanning has built the most talented team in the conference, at least according to The Athletic.Ohio State had 11 players on all three teams while Indiana was represented with nine Hoosiers.Dec 31, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day (left) and Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning shake hands with the Leishman Trophy as a backdrop during the Rose Bowl head coaches press conference at Sheraton Grand LA. | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters ConnectBig Ten Preseason First TeamOffense:Quarterback: Julian Sayin, Ohio StateRunning back: Bo Jackson, Ohio StateRunning back: Antwan Raymond, RutgersWide receiver: Jeremiah Smith, Ohio StateWide receiver: KJ Duff, RutgersWide receiver: Charlie Becker, IndianaTight end: Jamari Johnson, OregonOffensive tackle: Carter Smith, IndianaOffensive tackle: Trevor Lauck, IowaInterior offensive lineman: Kade Pieper, IowaInterior offensive lineman: Justin Evans, NebraskaInterior offensive lineman: Iapani Laloulu, OregonDefenseDefensive end: Anthony Smith, MinnesotaDefensive end: John Henry Daley, MichiganDefensive tackle: A'Mauri Washington, OregonDefensive tackle: Tyrique Tucker, IndianaLinebacker: Rolijah Hardy, Indiana Linebacker: Payton Pierce, Ohio StateLinebacker: Isaiah Jones, IndianaCornerback: Brandon Finney, OregonCornerback: Jontez Williams, USCDefensive back: Zach Lutmer, IowaSafety: Koi Perich, OregonSafety: Jaylen McClain, Ohio StateReactions to The Athletic's Preseason Big Ten TeamsThe biggest decision was likely putting Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin in over Oregon quarterback Dante Moore. Sayin was a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2025, and while Moore is considered a top prospect for the 2027 NFL Draft, his top competition could be Sayin.Dec 20, 2025; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore (5) looks on before the game against the James Madison Dukes at Autzen Stadium. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectWhile the two quarterbacks won't directly square off against each other, there will be a duel between Sayin and Moore as Ohio State hosts Oregon on Nov. 7.Oregon receiver Evan Stewart is an unknown commodity after his injury, and Ducks receiver Dakorien Moore has some room to grow after a breakout freshman season. As a result, both of them were on the third team, even if that feels a little low.The inclusion of Ducks offensive lineman Dave Iuli feels like a deserved honor and may give some Oregon fans feelings of relief about the Ducks offensive line heading into 2026.On the other side of the ball, the inclusion of Oregon defensive tackle A'Mauri Washington, cornerback Brandon Finney, and safety Koi Perich all make sense, and Ducks fans are likely not surprised by the rest of Oregon's defensive line filling up the second team. Sign up to our free newsletter and follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram for the latest news. Add us as a preferred source on GoogleFollow