Oregon Basketball 2025–2026 Season Preview: Projected starting lineup, impact players and rotation

Oregon won 25 games last year with Dana Altman and reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament. While the Ducks suffered some graduation and portal losses, they have top players returning who should give them one of the most solid squads in the Big Ten.

Here's an early rundown on where the Ducks stand for 2025-26.

Oregon basketball season preview for 2025-26

Coach Dana Altman should have a strong Oregon squad in the coming season. (Photo Credit: IMAGN)

Starting lineup

Guard: Jackson Shelstad

After an impressive freshman season, the 6-foot Shelstad followed up with an excellent sophomore campaign. He averaged 13.7 points per game last year and connected on 38% of his 3-point attempts. He's also a career 84% foul shooter and is likely to be one of the best-returning guards in the Big Ten. Keeping him is a big plus for Altman.

Guard: TK Simpkins

The 6-foot-4 Simpkins is a likely player, although it does leave Oregon without a true point guard on the floor. Simpkins averaged 16.4 points per game for Elon College a year ago and is a 37% 3-point shooter. He was an All-CAA pick and is clearly the most experienced choice to pair with Shelstad. If Oregon locates a true point guard between now and the 2025-26 season, that could change.

Forward: Dez Lindsay

Lindsay is a 6-foot-6 forward who redshirted last season. He's a JUCO transfer and a skilled one who averaged 16.0 ppg in 2023-24 at Florida Southwestern. Several more experienced D1 players will be on Oregon's roster, but Lindsey's ceiling is probably higher than any of those others.

Forward: Kwame Evans Jr.

Evans played a bench role last season but has been a steady contributor over the last two Duck squads and should be ready for a larger role. The 6-foot-9 Evans averaged 6.1 points and 4.6 boards per game. His perimeter game is a work in progress, but Evans' experience and strength inside should earn him a bigger role in 2025-26.

Center: Nate Bittle

The 7-foot Bittle entered the NBA draft but elected to return to Oregon for another season. Last year, he averaged 14.2 points and 7.6 rebounds per game. As a 34% 3-point shooter and 81% free-throw shooter, Bittle can step out and play on the wing or work back to the basket. He's doubtlessly one of the best-returning centers in the Big Ten.

Rotation Players

Forwards Devon Pryor (Texas) and Sean Stewart (Ohio State) haven't made much production from their potential, but each stands to get a shot for the Ducks. Sophomore guard Jamari Phillips could see some action, as could frosh recruit JJ Frakes.

Impact Players

That duo of Bittle and Shelstad is a game changer. To bring back one of the sport's best big men and one of the sport's top shooting guards is an impressive move for Altman and Oregon. Those incoming players will need to gel, but the ingredients are there for an Oregon team that could make a nice March run.

What do you think of Oregon's upcoming squad? Share your take below in our comments section!