Transfer Portal Rundown: What positions does Oregon still need?

FOOTBALLRECRUITING

12/21/20243 min read

The staff is already cooking in the transfer portal as they've landed five commitments already, including three yesterday. Oregon will likely sign between 10 and 15 players in the portal and there's specific positions they will target more than others. Here's the position by position rundown.

Quarterback:

Oregon obviously does not need a portal QB. Dante Moore and Austin Novasad will battle for QB 1 next season and behind them there's Luke Moga, Akili Smith Jr, and Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele

Prediction: None

Running Back:

Depending on what happens with Jordan James and Noah Whittington, Oregon might dip into the portal here. There's a real chance both go pro and if that happens, expect Oregon to sign a portal RB. If they both stay, or if one comes back, they will not go into the portal.

Prediction: One at most

Wide Receiver:

With the Dallas Wilson news, Oregon will likely go into the portal for a WR, maybe two. We're still waiting to see if Evan Stewart goes pro, but there's a good chance he comes back for another year. Lookout for Jeremiah McClellan next year as well.

Prediction: 1 or 2

Tight End:

Oregon already has a transfer portal commitment from former Louisville tight end Jamari Johnson. That will likely be it for Oregon at the tight end position.

Prediction: No more

Offensive Tackle:

Ajani is graduating and it looks like Conerly will go pro given he's being projected inside the first round. Oregon already secured two tackle commitments from Alex Harkey and Isaiah World, but I could see them going after someone else for depth purposes.

Prediction: Maybe one more

Interior Offensive Line:

Oregon is losing both starting guards to graduation so they will likely sign one or two in the portal. Matthew Bedford is a senior but he was out for the season with an injury so there's a really good chance he comes back. Dave Iuli also did pretty well when he had to step in. Oregon doesn't need to go into the portal here, but it makes sense considering both Bedford and Iuli have had injuries recently.

Prediction: One or two

Defensive End/Edge Rusher:

I don't think Oregon dips into the portal for an edge. Burch is leaving but Matayo and Tuioti are coming back. Blake Purchase will also most likely be back as well as Elijah Rushing and other talented young players. There's definitely a world where Oregon signs one given Jaeden Moore and Emarrion Winston just entered the portal, but I don't think it's a big need.

Prediction: Maybe one

Interior Defensive Line:

Oregon will most likely be losing Derrick Harmon and Jamaree Caldwell to the draft, so there is a need to get one, maybe two instant starters on the interior DL. Oregon's DL group next year will be extremely young, but the sky is the limit for their potential. Players like Aydin Breland, Jericho Johnson, and Tionne Gray will see a lot more playing time. Amauri Washington will likely be the next star on Oregon's defensive line.

Prediction: One or two

Linebacker:

Oregon is losing Jeffrey Bassa, Jestin Jacobs, and Bryce Boettcher to graduation so there is absolutely a need at the Inside LB position. We will take at least one, probably two. Devon Jackson is the only starter coming back with experience. Jerry Mixon has received a lot of praise, and Oregon signed three blue chip linebackers last year, but it makes sense to add to the room.

Prediction: One or two

Cornerbacks:

Oregon is losing Jabbar Muhammad, Nikko Reed, Dontae Manning, and Brandon Johnson to graduation so there are definitely shoes to fill. I'm not sure if Kam Alexander already used his redshirt, but he only played in four games this season so he might be able to come back if he wants to. I think Oregon signs one more portal CB but I also think Sione Laulea and Ify Obidegwu get a lot more playing time next season. I could also see one of the true freshman work their way into the lineup. Dakoda Fields and Rodrick pleasant could also work their way into the rotation.

Prediction: One more

Safety:

Oregon is losing Kobe Savage and Tysheem Johnson to graduation so there are shoes to fill. But Oregon already landed a commitment from Purdue star safety Dillon Thieneman. I could maybe see Oregon getting another one, but it's more likely Aaron Flowers or Peyton Woodyard takes the other spot.

Prediction: Maybe one more