Who has been Oregon's most impactful transfers this season?

FOOTBALL

9/25/20242 min read

Oregon has been active in the transfer portal, bringing in 14 total transfers to bolster its roster for the 2024 season. This group includes five players on offense, eight on defense, and one on special teams. But with a few games under their belts, who has been the most impactful so far? Here are the top five transfers who have made their presence felt for the Ducks:

#5: DL Derrick Harmon
Transferring from Michigan State, Derrick Harmon has been a strong addition to Oregon’s defensive line. Through just three games, Harmon has already accumulated 13 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and a forced fumble. His ability to plug gaps and apply pressure on opposing quarterbacks has been a key element in Oregon’s defensive scheme. Harmon has been a consistent presence up front and should continue to be a force throughout the season.

#4: DB Brandon Johnson
Formerly with Duke, Brandon Johnson has quickly solidified his place in Oregon's defense. He’s racked up 12 tackles, one pass deflection, and an interception, earning the starting role at the "star" position. His versatility and ability to disrupt plays in both the run and pass game make him a valuable asset to the Ducks secondary. Johnson has shown great instincts on the field I nearly ranked him even higher on this list.

#3: WR Evan Stewart
The Texas A&M transfer has brought playmaking ability to Oregon's wide receiver group. Stewart has 11 catches for 153 yards and a touchdown so far, with his standout performance coming against Boise State, where he hauled in five catches for 112 yards and a score. While his other games haven’t been as productive statistically, it’s worth noting that quarterback Dillon Gabriel missed a couple of deep throws that could have inflated his numbers. Stewart’s explosive potential is undeniable, and he's only scratching the surface.

#2: CB Jabbar Muhammad
Transferred from Washington, Jabbar Muhammad has been a steady presence in Oregon’s secondary. Though he hasn't really been tested so far, Muhammad has still recorded 13 tackles and four pass deflections. His impact is felt even when he’s not directly in on the action, as his ability to lockdown his receiver makes the job easier for the rest of Oregon’s defense.

#1: QB Dillon Gabriel
As expected, Dillon Gabriel has been the most impactful transfer for Oregon so far this season. Coming over from Oklahoma, Gabriel has excelled at quarterback, putting up 914 passing yards, eight total touchdowns, and zero interceptions through three games. His 84% completion rate has him on pace to potentially break the all time record set by Bo Nix last season. As long as the offensive line continues to protect him, he will keep carving up defenses.