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How Oregon Ducks transfers performed in Week 8 of the 2026 season
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- How Oregon Ducks transfers performed in Week 8 of the 2026 season
It's been a trying season for the Oregon Ducks , as they dropped their third game of the season before the calendar has even turned to November. It's nowhere near what was expected of them, as they're coming off an appearance in the College Football Playoff Semifinal and returned a bevy of talented players.
But they also lost their fair share of talent as well, either to the NFL draft or the transfer portal. While the future pros were all starters, the transfers provided depth and would've stepped into bigger roles in the years ahead, but opted for more play time elsewhere with different programs.
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As Oregon is faltering, making in-season coaching changes with the dismissal of offensive coordinator Drew Mehringer, there are a number of former Ducks making noise with their new programs. A few are even high-level contributors on teams that are ranked highly and in the CFP conversation, something Oregon is far from.
Let's take a look at the most notable performances from former Ducks across the nation in Week 8.
WR Kyler Kasper — BYU Cougars
Oct 24, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver Kyler Kasper (3) makes a touchdown catch against the Central Florida Knights during the first quarter at Acrisure Bounce House. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images
Kyler Kasper's impressive fifth-year senior campaign continued in Week 8, as he notched a career-high six receptions for 129 yards and a touchdown in a double overtime loss to UCF. During his entire four-year career at Oregon, Kasper managed just six catches for 77 yards, but in one game for the Cougars, he tied or eclipsed both those marks.
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EDGE Blake Purchase — Ole Miss Rebels
Oct 24, 2026; Austin, Texas, USA; Mississippi Rebels defensive end Blake Purchase (3) sacks Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16), forcing a fumble, during the second half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
In Ole Miss' 34-27 loss to Texas, Blake Purchase put on a show in primetime. He notched four tackles while also racking up a sack, forced fumble and a pass deflection.
LB Keith Brown — Washington State Cougars
Sep 26, 2026; Pullman, Washington, USA; Arizona Wildcats quarterback Noah Fifita (1) is hit after the throw by Washington State Cougars linebacker Keith Brown (21) during the first half at Gesa Field at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images
Keith Brown, Washington State's leading tackler, was back to it this weekend, totaling a team-high nine tackles along with a tackle for loss in the Cougars' 31-10 loss to Boise State. Washington State has now dropped to 1-7 on the year despite Brown's breakout season at linebacker.
RB Makhi Hughes — Houston Cougars
Oct 24, 2026; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Houston Cougars running back Makhi Hughes (21) rushes during the third quarter against the Utah Utes at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
The site of ESPN College GameDay, Houston fell to Utah, 21-13, but it wasn't for lack of effort on Makhi Hughes' part. He carried the ball 19 times for 52 yards and a touchdown on the night, also adding a catch for six yards.
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S Kingston Lopa — California Golden Bears
Sep 12, 2026; Syracuse, New York, USA; California Golden Bears defensive back Kingston Lopa (2) returns his interception for a touchdown during the second half against the Syracuse Orange at the JMA Wireless Dome. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-Imagn Images
While Kingston Lopa didn't have the splashy interception this week, he did have a team-high six tackles and was added to an offensive package. Lopa caught a pass for 11 yards in California's 59-20 loss.
DL Ashton Porter — Houston Cougars
Oct 24, 2026; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Utes running back Daniel Bray (5) rushes as Houston Cougars defensive lineman Ashton Porter (9) defends during the second quarter at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
On a big stage, Ashton Porter had himself a day in recording three tackles and his third sack of the season in the loss to Utah.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: How Oregon Ducks transfers performed in Week 8 of the 2026 season
