The Ohtani Method Comes to Eugene
No. 2 Oregon is chasing its first national title with a framework straight out of Shohei Ohtani's playbook: the Harada Method. Developed by Japanese track coach Takashi Harada, the system centers on one ultimate goal, supported by eight pillars, each with actionable items beneath it — the exact structure a young Ohtani used to map his path to a major league career.
How It Landed With the Ducks
Coach Dan Lanning introduced the tool at the team's summer leadership retreat, where the leadership group built out vision boards; some players have since built their own. Lanning and mental performance consultant Cory Shaffer had been studying it independently before discovering they had both sent it to each other — a signal it was worth formalizing.
Players Buying In
Defensive lineman Bear Alexander posted his Harada board on Instagram, with a center goal of becoming a first-round draft pick and pillars including faith, discipline, character and health. Quarterback Dante Moore said the framework lays out what the team wants to do this year, adding: "Ohtani is probably going to be the greatest baseball player of all time... we're just trying to learn from the greats."
The Stakes
Oregon enters the season ranked No. 2 — its highest preseason ranking in program history — after a 13-2 campaign that ended with both losses to national champion Indiana. Moore returns after throwing for 3,565 yards and 30 touchdowns, and the Ducks' Week 1 test is Boise State (Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS, Oregon -24.5).
What This Means for CFB 27
For CFB 27 dynasty players, Oregon's roster is already elite — Moore, receivers Evan Stewart and Dakorian Moore, and a defensive line headlined by Matayo Uiagalelei and Bear Alexander that all returned instead of entering the NFL draft. The Harada Method story is a culture signal, not a rating change, but the Week 1 blowout line (-24.5) confirms the game's data expects Oregon to open fast. Stack Duck pass-catchers in weekly formats while the schedule is soft.
