We are still a few months away from the 2025 NFL Draft taking place, and the pre-draft process is just getting started as mocks continue to be churned out every week.
This year there are a handful of Oregon Ducks who are projected to go early in the draft, headlined by offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr. and defensive tackle Derrick Harmon. Oregon could see as many as 10 or more players selected in the draft in April.
While that is certainly exciting, it doesn’t need to stop us from looking ahead. It’s never too early to look into the future and try to project what might be in store down the road.
This week, ESPN released its list of the projected top players at each position for the 2026 draft class, and it’s safe to say that Oregon was heavily featured. The Ducks had four players listed in the top three for their respective positions, and there’s a good chance that the number will be even higher by next spring.
Let’s take a look at who ESPN chose to highlight at each spot:
RB Makhi Hughes
ESPN’s Take: “Hughes dominated in two seasons at Tulane, compiling a combined 2,779 yards and 22 touchdowns. The 5-11, 210-pounder ran for 1,401 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2024 and will get a chance to star on a bigger stage at Oregon. Hughes’ production and excellent pop and power make him an RB1 candidate in 2026.”
Our Take: Hughes comes to Oregon as the No. 1 RB in the transfer portal this offseason, and should step in for Jordan James as the RB1 alongside Noah Whittington, assuming the veteran returns for one more year. Hughes has the size and the playmaking ability to be a dynamic player in Eugene.
WR Evan Stewart
ESPN’s Take: “Stewart was considered a top-50 prospect in the 2025 draft, but he decided to return to Oregon. The former five-star recruit is a speedster at 6-foot, 175 pounds, and was productive in 2024, with 48 receptions for 613 yards and five touchdowns. He has a knack for spectacular catches and has a chance to thrive as the Ducks’ No. 1 receiver.”
Our Take: Evan Stewart could have gone to the NFL this year, but he returns for one more season to take over as the WR1 with Tez Johnson gone. His deep-ball playmaking ability should be a perfect fit alongside Dante Moore, who has a rocket of an arm and is projected to sling it this season.
DE Matayo Uiagalelei
ESPN’s Take: “Uiagalelei broke out in 2024, as his 10.5 sacks put him on NFL scouts’ radar. He has pro size at 6-5 and 270 pounds and lines up as a true 4-3 defensive end for Oregon, which is where he would fit in the NFL. He is the total package as far as strength, speed and production.”
Our Take: It’s not hard to argue that going into the 2025 season, Matayo Uiagalelei is the single best player on Oregon’s roster, and there is a real hope that he establishes himself as a potential top-10 pick in next year’s draft after a breakout season in 2024.
S Dillon Thieneman
ESPN’s Take: “Thieneman is an impact safety who had six interceptions as a freshman at Purdue in 2023. Quarterbacks stayed away from him this past season, but the 6-foot, 207-pound Thieneman registered 104 tackles for the Boilermakers before transferring to Oregon. While Downs seems set as the top safety in the class, Thieneman’s tape projects him as a solid Round 1 option.”
Our Take: The Ducks added a handful of really talented players from the portal this offseason, but few are expected to be as impactful as Dillon Thieneman, the No. 1 safety available this year. He comes in with a huge opportunity to take over in the secondary and be a difference-maker for this hopeful championship contender.
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