I don’t see it as a sign of disrespect. After last season, it is clear that Oregon Football will have to show on the field that they belong in the Top 25 Conversation this season. After a hot start and a disappointing finish last year, the Oregon Ducks enter 2018 with a Heisman Contender at Quarterback and players with plenty of experience to again start 2018 off on the right foot.
According to Sports Illustrated, the team to beat is Clemson. Alabama comes in second. The Washington Huskies enter the opening poll in 4th as the Preseason Favorite to win the Pac-12 Conference.