Oregon offensive lineman Lipe Moala is on the move. The redshirt sophomore announced on December 26 that he intends to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal, signaling the end of his time with the Ducks. Moala made the announcement via Instagram, stepping away from a program where opportunities were limited but the potential ceiling was high.
Moala came to Eugene ahead of the 2023 season as a 3-star prospect, part of a recruiting class that added depth to an already stacked offensive line. That depth worked against him early, as the Ducks redshirted him during his freshman campaign.
He didn’t see the field in 2023, and in 2024, his action was still sparse - just four games and 13 total snaps at right guard. In 2025, he logged 10 offensive snaps across two appearances.
While it’s not uncommon for young linemen to develop behind the scenes early in their college careers, Moala’s limited usage over two seasons makes his decision to transfer understandable.
When he lands at his next school, Moala will arrive as a redshirt junior with two years of eligibility remaining - a valuable asset for programs seeking experienced depth on the interior offensive line. He’s got size, a year in a Power Five strength program, and the kind of versatility that could translate well in a new scheme.
Moala becomes the sixth player to depart from Oregon’s roster, a number that’s not particularly alarming given the current state of college football. The transfer portal is now a constant part of roster management, and programs across the country are adjusting to its rhythms.
Head coach Dan Lanning addressed the portal earlier this season, urging his players to stay focused amid the noise. With Oregon pushing for a College Football Playoff run - which officially kicks off Dec. 20 at Autzen Stadium against No. 12 seed James Madison - Lanning emphasized patience.
“The reality is, the portal opens in January. It doesn’t open now,” Lanning said. “You’ve got time to evaluate those options for you, and each person has to evaluate those options for themselves.”
That timeline is more than just a coaching talking point - it’s part of a broader shift in NCAA transfer rules. This year, the portal opens for FBS and FCS players on Jan. 2 and runs through Jan.
- That’s a tighter window than in previous years, when players had 30 days to make their move starting in early December.
The NCAA also did away with the 15-day spring portal period, meaning graduate transfers are now on the same schedule as everyone else.
Another significant tweak: when a coaching change occurs after Jan. 2, players now only get a 15-day window to enter the portal, rather than the 30-day period that was previously standard. The goal? To streamline the process and give programs more predictability when managing their rosters.
For Moala, the next step is finding a situation where he can get on the field and contribute. He’s got time, eligibility, and experience in a high-level program - all things that could make him an intriguing pickup for a team looking to bolster its offensive line depth heading into the 2026 season.