Greg McElroy believes Oregon will not be slowed in the slightest by its transition from the Pac-12 to the Big Ten.

On the Always College Football podcast this week, the ESPN analyst said he believes the Ducks are a lock to make the College Football Playoff in 2024. He praised the transfer addition of Dillon Gabriel, a quarterback who should slide seamlessly into what Oregon wants to do on offense. And he praised the culture that has been built in Eugene under coach Dan Lanning.

“I think Oregon’s in a great position to be able to make the leap,” McElroy said. “I think what Dan Lanning’s done in two years is pretty dang remarkable.”

Oregon has to replace Bo Nix, a Heisman finalist and the catalyst for 2023’s run to the Pac-12 Championship Game. It’s not an easy task, because all that Nix gave Oregon isn’t easily replicable. Gabriel is a strong quarterback in his own right, but Oregon also has a ton of returning talent, a top-five high school class, and a top-five transfer class.

The transfer additions are massive across the board. Gabriel’s impact is obvious. Jabbar Muhammad and Kobe Savage make the secondary better. Evan Stewart makes the pass game better. Jay Harris makes the backfield that much deeper. Dante Moore gives the Ducks arguably one of the best backup quarterbacks in the country.

Lanning’s third team oozes depth and potential, and it has few holes.

“They have a really difficult schedule, but I am remarkably optimistic with what they bring back and the culture that’s been established under Dan Lanning,” McElroy said. “I think 9-3 gets you on the cusp. I think 10-2 gets you into the College Football Playoff.”

Oregon has to face Ohio State, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Washington in its first year in the Big Ten. Playoff expansion this season works in the Ducks’ favor; the schedule should help Oregon’s chances even if it takes more than one loss along the way. So long as the Ducks don’t get shredded by the Big Ten’s traditional powers, an at-large spot could very well be on the table.

“I think you’re looking at 10-2, maybe better, maybe slightly worse. Either way, I really like (Oregon’s) chances,” McElroy said. “I think even at 9-3, with that schedule, you’ve got a real chance of being an 11, maybe 12-seed overall. Still, I think Oregon’s going to make the Playoff this upcoming season. I put their chances at 80% to make the College Football Playoff.”