There is just about one week left in this current transfer portal window, and while movement will still take place after the window closes, December 28th’s closing date will bring some clarity for schools around the nation.
Dan Lanning and the Oregon Ducks have done very well in the portal so far, picking up five commitments at major positions of need. With the second-highest average-rating per commit, the Ducks have the No. 9 ranked portal class so far, and they aren’t done yet.
With guys like Purdue Boilermakers safety Dillon Thieneman, Northwestern Wildcats cornerback Theran Johnson, Louisville TE Jamari Johnson, Texas State OT Alex Harkey, and Nevada OT Isaiah World, the Ducks have added a handful of potential starters for the 2025 season.
There are still several positions that Oregon needs to fill in the portal this offseason, but as the team shifts into game week for the College Football Playoff, things may slow down in the portal. That doesn’t mean it’s going to stop altogether, though. Let’s take a look at some other positions that the Ducks can try to hit in the portal over the next few weeks. and some names to know at each spot.
Inside Linebacker
Name to Know: UCF LB Xe’ree Alexander
Name to Know: Washington State LB Taariq Al-Uqdah
The Ducks have a lot of great depth at the inside linebacker spot, but with guys like Jeffrey Bassa, Bryce Boettcher, and Jestin Jacobs graduating, the need for experience is there. Devon Jackson is the only returning player at the position with a lot of production, and while you feel confident in guys like Brayden Platt, Dylan Williams, and Kamar Mothudi, Oregon still needs to have more experience and production at this critical spot going into a new season.
Running Back
Names to Know: Washington State RB Wayshawn Parker
Names to Know: Player to be Named
If you expect the Ducks to take an RB out of the transfer portal, don’t expect it to happen soon. I am told that Oregon won’t pursue any backs in the portal until after the playoffs are over, which would mean in the second transfer portal window. They are also looking at some players who have not yet entered the portal, but have been rumored to consider a change.
There’s a chance that the Oregon Ducks have one of the best and most experienced running back rooms in the nation next year, or a chance that they are in desperate need of some help in the transfer portal. All of that depends on what both Jordan James and Noah Whittington decide to do.
Starting with James, the 1,000-yard rusher in 2024 has another year of eligibility remaining, should he want it, and a chance to bolster his draft stock. He could also choose to declare for the NFL Draft this offseason after the best year of his career. Similarly, Whittington has another year of eligibility as well after a medical redshirt in 2023 following his knee injury. He could be well-served by another season at Oregon before going off to the NFL.
Tight End
The Ducks added a really solid tight end on Wednesday with the addition of Jamari Johnson, but I still list this position as an area of need because I think you could use some more depth here. It is no longer the top position of need, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see Oregon try and find another player here, more of the blocking variety — think Casey Kelly, rather than Kenyon Sadiq.
With both Terrance Ferguson and Patrick Herbert graduating, Oregon’s TE room is getting drained this year. There are still young players like Roger Saleapaga, AJ Pugliano, and incoming freshman Vander Ploog on the roster, but you need more proven depth and experience than that to feel comfortable going into a new season.
Wide Receiver
Names to Know: USC WR Zachariah Branch
Names to Know: Idaho WR Jordan Dwyer
The Ducks have to feel great about the talent that they have at the wide receiver position. However, both Tez Johnson and Traeshon Holden are graduating this year, and there’s a chance that Evan Stewart goes on to the NFL as well, though Oregon is working hard to bring him back for another year. If Stewart leaves, I think the Ducks absolutely need a proven WR out of the portal. Even if Stewart stays, it still wouldn’t be a shock to see Oregon add a pass-catcher, but it becomes less of a need.
Defensive Line
Names to Know: USC DL Bear Alexander
The Ducks don’t have a major need on the interior defensive line, but you don’t turn away talented players when they want to come play for you. That’s the case right now with former USC defensive lineman Bear Alexander, who is currently on a visit in Eugene. Alexander has expressed interest in becoming a Duck, and if Lanning and his staff are convinced that he fits the mold, then they would certainly take him.
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