Story by
Perich, Iheanacho among ESPN's top 100 newcomers in 2026 season
- Story by
- Perich, Iheanacho among ESPN's top 100 newcomers in 2026 season
One could argue that the Oregon Ducks have the best roster in the nation heading into the 2026 season, making them a true contender for the national championship. Most of that has to do with Dan Lanning and his staff's ability to recruit across the country, both in the transfer portal and from high school.
ESPN ranked the top 100 newcomers before the 2026 season begins. The Ducks landed three players on the list who could be instant contributors to help Oregon reach the pinnacle of the sport.
Advertisement
Koi Perich checked in at No. 10 and is the top safety on ESPN's list. The Ducks didn't jump into the portal for many starters, rather approaching the transfer season looking to replace depth. The Minnesota transfer figures to be a key part of Oregon's secondary, which needs to replace Dillon Thieneman .
Perich made 82 tackles and snagged one interception last season with the Golden Gophers . As a freshman, Perich made five interceptions and earned All-Big Ten first team honors. He also contributed in spurts on offense and served as a dynamic return man. Oregon could use him in a role similar to Thieneman's as a middle-of-the-field defender, thanks to his strong tackling ability.
"Perich arrives with proven production, recording 128 tackles, six interceptions, two forced fumbles and a sack over two seasons while earning consecutive All-Big Ten honors," ESPN's Billy Tucker wrote . "At 6-1 and 200 pounds, he brings a strong blend of range, physicality and coverage instincts that fits the star/rover role in Oregon's defense. He is versatile enough to support aggressive pressure packages while still functioning as a reliable last line of defense. Alongside Aaron Flowers and Brandon Finney Jr. , he strengthens Oregon's secondary into one of the more complete units in the country."
Oregon also had a pair of freshmen crack the list. Five-star offensive tackle Immanuel Iheanacho is set to join the team this summer as one of the gems of the Ducks' latest recruiting class and checked in at No. 76 on the list. The Ducks have to replace three offensive linemen this season, and Iheanacho's 6-foot-7, 350-pound frame could allow him to slot in at tackle or guard immediately.
Advertisement
Iheanacho will compete with freshman Tommy Tofi and other inexperienced linemen to earn a starting spot. Despite getting on campus late, there is a chance for him to have a role in the rotation up front, especially while the Ducks sort through any early-season struggles they might have along the line of scrimmage.
"Though he is massive with an NFL-ready frame coming out of high school, Iheanacho moves well at his size," Tucker wrote. "He has the feet to play on the edge and the power to play inside at guard. His punch is strong and he holds well at the point of attack. With Iheanacho it's not a question of will he be a starter, it's how fast will that occur because he has all the talent to anchor an offensive line."
Lastly, the Ducks' next big tight end prospect, Kendre Harrison , came in at No. 87 on ESPN's list. Harrison was recruited to Oregon both in football and basketball, but the 6-foot-6 pass catcher has the ability to follow Terrance Ferguson, Kenyon Sadiq and Jamari Johnson as the next great tight end in Eugene.
Harrison can move well with his size and has great hands. He could be a target for Dante Moore this season, as the Ducks have routinely used two or three tight ends at a time. Harrison will have to battle Penn State transfer Andrew Olesh for a spot on the depth chart, but there is plenty of early excitement about the freshman after the spring.
Advertisement
"A dual-sport athlete and ranked basketball prospect, Harrison brings a rare blend of size and athleticism," Tucker wrote. "Even as an early enrollee, he stood out physically at Oregon's spring game. On tape, he is a long strider who is deceptively fast for his size. He can high point the football effectively and create production after the catch. Though still developing and needing to adjust to the physicality of the college level, he projects as a major red zone option who can box out defenders on jump balls as if he is back on the hardwood."
Contact/Follow @Ducks_Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinion s.
This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Oregon boasts three top newcomers in college football for 2026, per ESPN
