EUGENE, Ore. - Trey McNutt's journey at Oregon has been anything but conventional. Touted as the highest-rated safety signee for the Ducks, McNutt seemed poised to make an immediate impact. But a broken tibia during fall camp hit the pause button on his freshman season.
Instead of taking the field, McNutt found himself learning from the sidelines. And according to new defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach Chris Hampton, that time spent watching was invaluable.
"He got to observe and learn from players like Dillon Thieneman, Jadon Canady, and Aaron Flowers," Hampton noted. "That experience, though not ideal, was beneficial for his development."
Despite an aggressive rehab that got McNutt back in shape for the playoffs, he remained on the bench. "He was physically ready, but missing so much football made it tough for him to jump back in," Hampton explained.
Fast forward to now, and McNutt's progress is evident. His dedication in the weight room and on the field is turning heads.
"He's a workhorse," Hampton said. "Strong, fast, and agile-he's getting the reps he needs to master the defense.
As the safety, he's essentially the quarterback of our defense, and he's stepping up to that challenge."
With the return of Aaron Flowers, who had a stellar last season, and the addition of Minnesota transfer Koi Perich, McNutt faces a competitive battle for playing time. Yet, his potential remains undeniable.
Ranked as the fourth-best safety prospect in the 2025 class by 247Sports, McNutt's talent is clear. And while Jett Washington, a 2026 signee, has now taken the top spot as Oregon's highest-rated safety recruit, McNutt's determination keeps him in the conversation.
As Oregon wraps up its initial spring practices, the team will break before returning for more sessions leading up to the spring game on April 25 at Autzen Stadium. McNutt's journey is one to watch as he continues to push for his moment on the field.