Oregon’s recruiting haul this month sent a clear message: the Ducks aren’t just trying to keep pace-they’re gearing up to lead the pack. With a Top 5 class stacked with 5-star talent, the Ducks made a major statement.
But in today’s college football landscape, signing day is just the beginning. The transfer portal is every bit as critical, and Oregon had work to do after losing a chunk of its roster, including several players who followed Tosh Lupoi down to Cal.
One of the biggest targets on their board was offensive tackle Jordan Seaton. A potential game-changer in the trenches, Seaton ultimately chose LSU, leaving Oregon without the high-profile lineman they’d hoped to land.
Still, the Ducks didn’t walk away empty-handed. They addressed key needs across the board, and the roster looks more than ready to compete at a high level.
Up front, even without Seaton, the offensive line should be in solid shape. The addition of Yale transfer Michael Bennet brings experience and depth to a group that’s quietly been a strength for Oregon in recent years.
At wide receiver, Iverson Hooks arrives from UAB to help offset the loss of Malik Benson. Hooks may not be a household name yet, but he’s a reliable target who can stretch the field and contribute right away.
At tight end, Markus Dixon steps in as a physical presence in the run game. He may not have the athletic ceiling of Kenyon Sadiq-few do-but Dixon’s blocking ability gives Oregon a valuable piece in short-yardage and goal-line situations.
Then there’s the quarterback room, which is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing in the country. Dylan Raiola, the former Nebraska signal-caller and one of the top quarterback prospects in the nation, is set to sit behind Dante Moore for a year.
It’s a situation that mirrors Moore’s own path back in 2024, and it sets up a smooth succession plan. Behind Raiola, Akili Smith Jr. is waiting in the wings, continuing Oregon’s trend of stacking blue-chip talent at the most important position on the field.
It’s a masterclass in continuity-something that’s becoming rarer in the transfer-heavy world of modern college football.
On the defensive side, Oregon did a strong job of reloading. They brought in Koi Perich from Minnesota to help replace Dillon Theniman at safety.
Perich brings a similar level of talent and should slide right into the rotation. In the secondary, the Ducks pulled off a major win by landing Aaron Scott Jr. from Ohio State.
He joins an already loaded young DB room that’s brimming with upside.
And then there’s the edge rushers. Bleu Dantzler, who made the short move from Corvallis, joins forces with Matayo Uiagalelei and Teitum Tuioti to form what might be the deepest and most dangerous edge group in the country. That trio gives Oregon the kind of pass-rushing firepower that can change games and take pressure off the back end of the defense.
If there’s one area where the Ducks still have some questions, it’s at linebacker. The departure of Bryce Boettcher leaves a hole in the middle of the defense, and while Oregon has recruited well at the position, experience is thin. That inexperience showed at times this past season-particularly in the two losses to Indiana, where linebacker play was a clear vulnerability.
Still, with the talent they’ve brought in and the foundation already in place, Oregon is in a strong position heading into next season. They may have missed on a few targets, but they hit on enough-and filled enough key roles-to keep their trajectory pointed firmly upward.
The Ducks are building something, and they’re doing it with purpose.