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Ranking Oregon football's potential transfer needs ahead of spring portal opening
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- Ranking Oregon football's potential transfer needs ahead of spring portal opening
The Oregon Ducks have reached the midway point of their spring football season. While the annual spring game is a couple of weekends away, Dan Lanning and his staff focus on the current roster and developing the players in town.
However, some attention must be diverted with the spring transfer portal window opening on Wednesday. For the next 10 days, from April 16 to April 25, college players nationwide can enter the portal and look for a new home. We've already seen some high-profile players like Tennessee QB Nico Iamaleava Jr. and California RB Jayden Ott declare their intentions to transfer, and the numbers will undoubtedly rise over the next week.
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While the Ducks are in a pretty good position at the moment, with a ton of talent at every position on the roster, there are still needs that can be filled and spots that can be improved should the right player become available. Whether it's a starter—like Derrick Harmon in 2024—or a valuable role player—like Casey Kelly in 2023—there are players who Lanning might identify as useful additions.
Where are some areas where these players might come, though? That's an important question. It's evident that the Ducks don't need another QB on the roster, nor do they need a running back or offensive lineman. But there are a few places where Oregon could stand to add another piece, whether it's for depth or a potential starter.
Let's break them down.
5. Defensive Line
Jan 1, 2025; Pasadena, CA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Will Howard (18) gets off a pass as he is hit by Oregon Ducks defensive lineman Aydin Breland (42) during the fourth quarter at Rose Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images
With Derrick Harmon and Jamaree Caldwell leaving for the NFL, the Ducks will have new faces on the interior defensive line in 2025, likely led by USC transfer Bear Alexander and junior A'Mauri Washington. Guys like Terrance Green, Aydin Breland, Tionne Gray, and Jericho Johnson could also play more prominent roles, but if a guy pops up this spring who could be a difference maker — think about the addition of Derrick Harmon following the 2024 spring season — then far be it for Lanning to pass on him.
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4. Wide Receiver
Sep 7, 2024; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks wide receiver Evan Stewart (7) catches a pass for a first down during the first half against Boise State Broncos cornerback Jeremiah Earby (6) at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
Oregon is in a really good spot at the WR position after adding Malik Benson in the portal from Florida State, and getting 5-star freshman Dakorien Moore in the building as well. Still, there are some questions about who else will step up around Evan Stewart . You can feel good about guys like Kyler Kasper, Justius Lowe, Jurrion Dickey , and Jeremiah McClellan, but will any of them rise to the stature needed to uphold Oregon's standard? That's the question. Should Oregon fall in love with a pass-catcher in the portal, I wouldn't be totally surprised if they took a swing.
3. Defensive Back
Oregon's secondary is exceptionally talented, but very unproven at this point. Going into spring ball, Jahlil Florence is the only cornerback on the roster with a lot of experience in Eugene. Oregon brought in both Theran Johnson and Jadon Canady via the portal. Still, it will be looking for guys like Rodrick Pleasant, Ify Obidegwu, Sione Laulea, Dakoda Fields, Dorian Brew, and Na'eem Offord to step into prominent roles — all of whom either have minimal experience on the field, or are in their first or second seasons at Oregon.
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Back at safety, there are expectations that Purdue transfer Dillon Thieneman will be among the best players on the roster, but we need to see what either Kingston Lopa or Peyton Woodyard can do alongside him. How will Aaron Flowers fit in as well?
If a veteran defender becomes available this spring, I certainly wouldn't be surprised to see Lanning take a swing.
2. Linebacker
Nov 18, 2023; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Oregon Ducks linebacker Devon Jackson (26) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Ducks are incredibly talented at the linebacker spot, but don't have the most production to fall back on. That's the case with several positions across the roster, but no more glaring than at LB. It helps to have Bryce Boettcher return for a final year, but with guys like Jeffrey Bassa and Jestin Jacobs taking off to the NFL, some new guys will need to step into more prominent roles.
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The ceilings for guys like Devon Jackson, Jerry Mixon, Kamar Mothudi, Braden Platt, and Dylan Williams are all high, but until we see them produce on the field, there is undoubtedly a question here. When you hold yourself to the high standards that Oregon does, you need your players to be elite. I wouldn't be surprised to see the Ducks assess their LB room after spring football and potentially add a veteran portal player in May, should the right guy become available.
1. Tight End
Oregon Ducks tight end Kenyon Sadiq celebrates a play as the Oregon Ducks host the Idaho Vandals Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore.
When it comes to tight end play, Duck fans are likely looking forward to the 2025 season more than they have any other season before, thanks to the expected breakout for Kenyon Sadiq. Oregon also brought Jamari Johnson out of the portal from Louisville , a highly talented playmaker who can impress with the ball. However, one thing that seems to be missing in this relatively thin TE room is a blocker, like Patrick Herbert or Casey Kelly. While I believe that Johnson can fill the H-back role well, I think the Ducks could find a bigger-bodied blocking TE who could come in and help shore up the depth in this room.
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At some point, Roger Saleapaga may get back to full health after a torn ACL in 2024, but that may not be until after the season begins, so until then, Oregon may need some more depth in this room.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Ranking Oregon football transfer needs ahead of spring portal opening
