Oregon’s Transfer Portal Plan: What to Expect at Each Position

Oregon plays for a shot at the national championship in two days, but that hasn’t stopped transfer portal activity from heating up behind the scenes. The college football calendar is a mess, and every program is dealing with it. With that in mind, here’s a position-by-position look at Oregon’s transfer portal needs, along with some early intel.

Quarterback

Overview: The most obvious variable is what happens with Dante Moore. If he turns pro, Oregon will look to the transfer portal for its next starting quarterback. If he returns, they won’t.

Intel: If Dante does leave, Sam Leavitt is expected to be Oregon’s top target among quarterbacks already in the portal. Dylan Raiola has been linked to Oregon, but that appears to be more interest from his side than from Oregon’s. There’s also a real chance that Oregon’s top target isn’t even in the portal yet.

Running Back

Overview: Oregon currently has just four running backs projected to be on the 2026 roster after recent transfers and with Whittington set to graduate. Because of that, there will almost certainly be portal activity at this position, with one or two additions expected.

Intel: The early name thrown around is UC Davis transfer Carter Vargas. He’s currently visiting Cal, and it’s unclear how aggressively Oregon is pursuing him right now. At this point, there haven’t been any other running backs linked to the Ducks. Oregon also isn’t expected to chase high-profile portal backs, with Davison and Hill viewed as the future at the position.

Wide Receiver

Overview: Oregon saw two receivers transfer out, and Gary Bryant and Malik Benson are set to graduate. While the room is young and talented, it makes sense to add 1-3 experienced players from the portal to help push the group in practice. Evan Stewart’s decision will be worth monitoring, as he could return or enter the portal. Either way, Oregon should add at least one wide receiver.

Intel: UAB transfer Iverson Hooks has been linked to Oregon, but it doesn’t appear the Ducks are pushing very hard there right now. Syracuse wide receiver Darrell Gill has also been linked to Oregon and would make a lot of sense, given his prior connection with Ross Douglas at Syracuse. I've confirmed Oregon is in communication with him.

Tight End

Overview: Oregon hasn’t lost any scholarship tight ends to the portal so far. Kenyon Sadiq is likely headed to the NFL, but even if he leaves, Oregon doesn’t appear to need a portal addition. Jamari Johnson is a proven piece, and Kendre Harrison should make an immediate impact. The room is deep and talented, so unless there are transfers out, Oregon likely won’t need to look to the portal at tight end.

Intel: There aren’t any early names I'm hearing, but Penn State transfer Andrew Olesh could make sense. Oregon was close to landing him last year, so that connection is already in place.

Offensive Line

Overview: Both starting tackles are going to the NFL after this season, so there will definitely be portal activity at that spot. On the interior, Pregnon is also NFL-bound, which could make adding a replacement worthwhile. Fox Crader played very well during Harkey’s short absence and is a legitimate candidate to start next year. True freshman Immanuel Iheanacho will also push for early playing time, while Dave Iuli could return and Douglas Utu drew strong praise during fall camp. Overall, Oregon will likely add 1-2 tackles and 1-2 interior linemen, but with the young talent already in place, the Ducks might not have to go big-game hunting like they did last year.

Intel: NC State offensive tackle Jacarrius Peak is set to visit Alabama soon and has already visited Texas A&M, per reports, but Oregon is another team in the mix and he’s a name to watch at the position. It remains to be seen whether the Ducks can get him on campus, and so far he’s the only offensive line target I’ve been able to confirm as being linked to Oregon.

Defensive Line

Overview: So far, nobody on the defensive line has transferred out. Bear Alexander is coming back, but A’Maurí Washington could be heading to the NFL. Teitum Tuioti is likely coming back, and Matayo still has his decision to make. There is a real shot both Washington and Matayo return, but it seems more likely at least one turns pro. Oregon’s interior defensive line room is very talented, but it could make sense to bring in someone to help test the room. As for edge, if Matayo goes to the NFL, Oregon will likely bring someone in; if he stays, they won’t.

Intel: Florida EDGE Jayden Woods and USC defensive lineman Devan Thompkins have been linked to Oregon, but Thompkins has already committed to Georgia, and the Ducks are not pushing very hard for Woods.

Linebacker

Overview: Bryce Boettcher will be graduating, but no one else is expected to leave at this point. The Ducks have strong talent in the room, but this is a position where Oregon could spend big in the portal if the right player becomes available. That said, it’s hard to see Oregon adding more than one unless there are multiple transfers out.

Intel: So far, there haven’t been any names linked to Oregon that I’ve been able to confirm.

Cornerback

Overview: I expect Oregon to add a few corners through the portal. Several depth pieces have already transferred out, and Jadon Canady and Theran Johnson are set to graduate. Brandon Finney has one spot locked down, but the other outside corner and the nickel role are still up for grabs. Ify is a good player and the overall talent level is high, but it makes sense to bring in a more experienced option to compete. At nickel, Oregon clearly needs help, one player at least, probably two. As of now, the only true nickel projected for next year is true freshman Xavier Lherisse, though there are other defensive backs on the roster who can fill that role if needed.

Intel: Utah defensive back Smith Snowden can play both inside and outside, and Oregon is making a strong push for him. I’ve confirmed he will visit this weekend, though Michigan, Georgia, and BYU are also heavily involved. In addition to Snowden, Oregon is pursuing Penn State transfer cornerback AJ Harris. He hasn’t had much success at his previous stops, but he would add talent and experience to the room and provide competition in Eugene. At this point, I’ve confirmed Oregon is a major contender for Harris, though it’s unclear when a decision will be made.

Safety

Overview: Dillon Thieneman still has a decision to make, but it seems more likely he will turn pro. Aaron Flowers is a great young player who will almost certainly start again next season, but if Dillon does go pro, expect Oregon to add someone through the portal, especially with Kingston Lopa entering the portal.

Intel: It's being reported that Minnestoa Star safety Koi Perich will visit Oregon soon after Texas Tech. I have not confirmed that, but he would be a massive pickup and the best possible replacement for Thieneman. On top of that, it's been reported and I've confirmed Oregon has been recruiting Southern Miss transfer Ian Foster. I don't know how hard they're pushing, but there has been communication. I believe foster is a hybrid safety/nickel.