After a successful second season in Eugene for Oregon head coach Dan Lanning, several players are expected to declare for the 2024 NFL Draft, while the remaining roster is the subject of incoming and outgoing transfer rumors. Lanning told the Oregonian/Oregon Live’s James Crepea after Oregon’s Pac-12 Championship loss that he expects players to make their own announcements regarding bowl game opt-outs and transfers. Ahead of the Fiesta Bowl and next season’s kickoff, the Daily Emerald is tracking the Ducks’ current roster status here.
Gatlin Bair (WR) — Committed
The latest signing for the Ducks is class of 2024 wideout Gatlin Bair, who joins a bevy of receiving options in Eugene. Bair, who was previously committed to Boise State, also drew interest from Michigan. Per 247, he’s a 5-star prospect — the No. 6 wide receiver, No. 1 player in Idaho, and No. 46 player nationally. He projects as a speedy, athletic prospect: he’s got a 10.15 second 100 meter sprint time in his locker and ran track and field and played basketball in high school. The Ducks add Bair to a receiving class that includes five star transfer Evan Williams and returners Tez Johnson, Gary Bryant Jr., Jurrion Dickey and Traeshon Holden. Bair, however, won’t play for the Ducks until 2026. Because he will take a two-year mission associated with his faith, he’ll play his freshman year in just over two years’ time. It’s still a major get for head coach Dan Lanning and the Ducks, though, and they’ll look to build a class around Bair as 2026 edges closer.
Jabbar Muhammad (CB) — Committed
With Muhammad, Oregon capitalized on the chaos that had descended upon Seattle after Huskies head coach Kalen DeBoer left Washington to take the open job at Alabama. Muhammad, one of several players to decommit or enter the transfer portal since DeBoer left on Jan. 12, committed to Oregon. He registered 41 solo tackles and three interceptions in an impressive 2023 campaign as the Huskies made their run to the CFP Championship. Muhammad was named second team All-Pac-12.
He’ll join a talented secondary in Eugene — despite seniors Khyree Jackson and Evan Williams declaring for the NFL Draft, Oregon returns Steve Stephens IV, amongst others, as it moves to the Big Ten.
Brandon Johnson (DB) — Committed
The Ducks added another defensive back on Jan. 17 with Johnson’s commitment. The former Duke DB had arguably his best season for the Blue Devils in 2023 with 56 tackles, two sacks, and four passes defensed, and enters the Oregon secondary room as a veteran. He spent three years at Duke — with one remaining at Oregon — and could replace the leadership lost with exits from Evan Williams and Khyree Jackson, amongst others.
Evan Williams (DB) — Declared for NFL Draft
Williams, who finished his final year with the Ducks in 2023, declared for the NFL Draft on Jan. 14. The senior defensive back ends his Oregon career (one year) with 82 total tackles, 4.5 sacks, and a forced fumble after spending four years at Fresno State. The Ducks retain several DBs — but Williams’ leadership could be a crucial loss.
Jamaree Caldwell (DL) — Committed
Caldwell committed to the Ducks on Jan. 12, after spending last season with Houston. The 6’1’’, 325 pound defensive tackle adds another layer of strength to the trenches in Eugene. Caldwell was the No. 2 DT in the portal, and the No. 17 player overall, per 247Sports, after a 27 tackle, 6.5 sack season last year. He’ll have one year of eligibility to spend in Eugene.
Evan Stewart (WR)— Committed
In a huge get for the Ducks, Stewart, the No. 1 wideout in the portal and the No. 2 player overall, per 247Sports, committed on Jan. 11. The former Texas A&M receiver joined in the wake of rumors linking Oregon head coach Dan Lanning to the then-vacant Alabama job, which Lanning denied in a sensational video posted to social media.
Stewart garnered 514 yards and four touchdowns last year for the Aggies, and will have two years of eligibility remaining as he joins Tez Johnson, Gary Bryant Jr., and Traeshon Holden in Eugene.
Kam Alexander (DB) — Committed
UTSA cornerback Kam Alexander became the latest player to commit to the project in Eugene on Jan. 8. Alexander was part of the Roadrunners team that won the 2023 Frisco Bowl (where he was the defensive MVP). The Roadrunners finished 9-4, good for third in the AAC, and Alexander ended the year with 32 solo tackles, two interceptions and 15 passes defensed. The latter two are team highs.
Alexander joins the Ducks in the wake of a turbulent offseason for the secondary; four players from the 2023 squad have either entered the transfer portal or declared for the NFL Draft. Without a doubt, Alexander, a junior, will have the chance to compete for a spot under Dan Lanning and the Oregon defensive staff.
Cole Martin (DB) — Entered Transfer Portal
Martin, a true freshman in 2023, is returning to his home state of Arizona to play under former Oregon offensive coordinator Kenny Dillingham at Arizona State. He had an impressive season in Eugene, registering 13 solo tackles (21 total), an interception and a pass defensed as a backup defensive back. He originally entered with the Ducks as a cornerback, but primarily saw time as a free safety (and was a regular on special teams), so there’s no reason he won’t be able to succeed in Phoenix.
Jake Shipley (LB) — Entered Transfer Portal
Shipley announced that he was entering the transfer portal after Oregon’s Fiesta Bowl victory on Jan. 1. The linebacker, who registered three solo tackles in 2023, spent three years in Eugene. For the Indio, CA. native, it’s a question of playing time: with Fiesta Bowl Defensive MVP linebacker Jeffery Bassa returning, there’s less likely a slot for Shipley to step in. He has not yet announced his destination.
Casey Kelly (TE) — Entered Transfer Portal
Another player leaving Eugene in search of playing time is Kelly, who transferred to Oregon in 2023 after spending three seasons at Ole Miss. Kelly, who only managed five receptions for 43 yards (but two touchdowns) is still in search of his third school. He’s never found a home — his best season, in 2021, was for 17 receptions and 150 yards. In what likely will be his final season in college football, he’ll want to find a place that will use his skillset.
Ty Thompson (QB) — Entered Transfer Portal
In the wake of Dillon Gabriel’s announcement that he would be joining Oregon as it moved to the Big Ten, longtime backup Thompson entered the transfer portal. It’s an unsurprising move — the Arizona native was a four-star recruit and Oregon’s best ever quarterback recruit, but never threw more than 31 passes in a season. He leaves Eugene with a career 456 passing yards and six touchdowns.
On Jan. 5, Thompson announced his commitment to Tulane. He’ll feature for the Green Wave in New Orleans, and go with the good faith of Oregon fans. He’s apparently got Dan Lanning’s full support, but evidently didn’t expect to start for the Ducks in 2024.
Atticus Sappington (K) — Committed
While Oregon picked up a kicker on National Early Signing Day, Dan Lanning and his staff have also added a piece on special teams from up I-5. Sappington, who spent the last two seasons at Oregon State, will join the Beavers’ rivals in Eugene for the 2023 season. The sophomore enters with a career 92.9% field goal percentage (five for seven in 2022 and 13 for 14 in 2023) and a 98% extra point percentage. The kicker, from Portland, OR, has a career long of 48 yards.
Oregon’s starting kicker, Camden Lewis, graduated after the 2023 season. There’s no indication yet to who will take over from the senior who, while exiting as the school’s all-time points leader, weathered a difficult 2023 season.
Popo Aumavae (NT) — Declared for NFL Draft
Aumavae, the Ducks’ nose tackle, announced on Dec. 22 that he would not play in the Fiesta Bowl, instead spending the time preparing for the draft. The 6’3’’, 315 lb redshirt senior featured in 10 games for the Ducks in 2023, with a season-high three solo tackles against Washington in the Pac-12 Championship. He finishes his Oregon career with 84 tackles (40 solo) and 6.5 sacks in his five years in Eugene.
At nose tackle, the Ducks will likely return at least rising junior Ben Roberts and rising sophomore A’Mauri Washington, along with potential additions from the Class of 2024. For more information on the Ducks’ historic recruiting class, read the Emerald’s National Early Signing Day Recap here.
Dante Moore (QB) — Committed
In a surprise move after the commitment of Dillon Gabriel earlier in the window, former UCLA quarterback Dante Moore announced on Dec. 18 that he had committed to Oregon in an announcement through On3 Sports. Moore, who was ranked as the 26th best quarterback in the portal by On3, will join from another school moving from the Pac-12 to the Big Ten.
Through the nine games he played in in 2023, Moore (No. 3 in the 2023 class per On3) registered 11 touchdown passes and nine interceptions from 1,610 passing yards for the Bruins, who finished 8-5 (4-5 in the Pac-12). He competed for time with initial starter Ethan Garbers and Collin Schlee. The true freshman will have three years of eligibility available in Eugene.
Moore, who initially committed to Oregon before flipping to UCLA before the 2023 season, will compete out of the gate with a quarterback with starting experience in Gabriel, unlike true freshman Austin Novosad and Brock Thomas. As the Ducks prepare to begin life in the competitive Big Ten, there will be plenty of options for Lanning and offensive coordinator Will Stein to experiment with as the season begins.
Matthew Bedford (OL) — Committed
Dan Lanning and the Ducks flipped one of the Colorado Buffaloes’ offensive line acquisitions out of the portal, with Bedford, who announced on Dec. 18 that he recommitted to Oregon. He attended Indiana and started since his freshman year, though he spent 2022 on the sidelines with a knee injury and only appeared once.
In 2021, his junior year, Bedford started every game, across the line. He primarily spent time at right guard, but made three appearances at left guard and one at right tackle, finishing as an honorable mention for the All-Big Ten team. He leaves Indiana with 28 starts in four years, and will play out his final year of eligibility in Eugene.
Oregon featured a standout offensive line in 2023 that saw it named a Joe Moore Award finalist (for the best offensive line in college football), and center Jackson Powers-Johnson named a unanimous All-American and Rimington Trophy winner, recognizing the best center in college football.
Kobe Savage (S) — Committed
Oregon added the first piece to its secondary from the transfer portal, as Kansas State safety Kobe Savage announced his commitment to the Ducks on Dec. 20. Savage, a two-time second team All-Big-12 selection, grabbed 57 tackles and three interceptions in 2023 to match 58 and three in 2022.
While senior safety Brian Addison entered the portal early this window, Oregon still retains senior Steve Stephens IV, junior Tysheem Johnson Jr., and current freshmen Cole Martin, Tyler Turner, Kodi DeCambra and Collin Gill at the position.
Jay Harris (RB) — Committed
Harris committed to the Ducks on Dec. 18, completing his transfer from Northwest Missouri State. After freshman back Dante Dowdell entered the portal, Oregon went in search of a replacement to compete with Whittington, James, and Limar for touches.
The 6-foot-2 running back spoke with Max Torres for Sports Illustrated about his decision, explaining that his relationship with Oregon running backs coach Carlos Locklyn was vital to the final choice. He said, “Coach Lock really made that place feel like just not the experience and not the knowledge that I’m gonna get out of another coach … [I] feel Coach Lock really set that standard and he’s gonna do what he says. Oregon, just going up there and visiting, Grandma felt like it was home, I felt like it was home. The people there are very nice. That school felt like home for me as soon as I landed really.”
Harris will have two years of eligibility available in Eugene.
Troy Franklin (WR) — Declared for NFL Draft
On Dec. 15, Franklin, who became the record holder for receiving touchdowns and receiving yards in a season for the Ducks, officially announced that he would turn professional in 2024. He tallied 1,383 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns on 81 receptions this season, and he’ll enter the draft as the No. 27 player on the Pro Football Focus Big Board.
Oregon’s secondary wide receiver, Tez Johnson, is still undecided in regards to his 2024 season. The Ducks have recruited Oklahoma transfer QB Dillon Gabriel to take over from Bo Nix, who will likely enter the draft alongside Franklin.
Dante Dowdell (RB) — Entered Transfer Portal
Dowdell will leave the Ducks after his freshman season, he announced. Part of a talented running back room, he found time amongst the crowd with 90 yards and one touchdown on 17 carries this year. However, his departure, along with Bucky Irving (declared for the NFL draft), leaves room for multiple prospects to emerge in 2024.
Noah Whittington, who spent much of 2023 injured, is expected to return alongside second-year back Jordan James and current freshman Jayden Limar. Oregon has not yet pursued any other options in the transfer portal, but current three-star prospect Da’Jaun Riggs committed to the Ducks in July 2023.
Daymon David (S) — Entered Transfer Portal
On Dec. 13, another Oregon defensive back entered the portal. Daymon David, a junior and former four-star recruit, joins Bridges and Addison in departing Eugene. He played in 23 games for the Ducks, registering 10 solo tackles, but only had one in 2023. His destination is not yet clear.
Jackson Powers-Johnson (C) — Declared for NFL Draft
Irving’s announcement was followed by Powers-Johnson, one of the nation’s top centers, who will be a desirable lineman next season. He, along with the rest of Oregon’s line, was responsible for keeping Bo Nix upright and Irving and James moving forward.
He will likely opt out of the Jan. 1 Fiesta Bowl, with a replacement yet to be determined.
Bucky Irving (RB) — Declared for NFL Draft
On Dec. 12, running back Bucky Irving announced that he intends to enter the NFL Draft. The decision does not come as a surprise — Irving was Oregon’s main workhorse for an offense that was among the best in college football.
Irving finished the season with 1,063 yards rushing and 10 touchdowns, both career highs. A dual threat back, he hauled in 395 yards receiving for two touchdowns.
Irving shared the load with Jordan James, whose decision is still unannounced. Noah Whittington was expected to share with the two Oregon running backs, but suffered an injury against Colorado that kept him out for the rest of the season. Current freshmen Dante Dowdell and Jayden Limar are expected to return.
On Dec. 15, head coach Dan Lanning announced that Irving intends to play in the Fiesta Bowl, and has continued to practice with the team following his announcement.
Dillon Gabriel (QB) — Committed
The Oklahoma graduate transfer and Hawaii native announced his commitment to Oregon on Dec. 9. Almost certainly the starting quarterback for next season, he will be Oregon’s man under center as they step into the Big Ten.
Last season, Gabriel led his Sooners to a Red River Showdown win over Texas — the eventual Big 12 champions — on his way to 3,660 yards and 30 touchdown passes. Oklahoma did not make it to the Big 12 championship game, but finished ranked 12th in the CFP poll.
Gabriel’s arrival brings into question the status of three-year backup QB Ty Thompson. Thompson, who appeared in the fourth quarter of several games in 2023 and threw for four touchdowns, is a former four-star prospect but has rarely seen the field behind Bo Nix.
Joining Thompson and Gabriel in the quarterback room are true freshmen Austin Novosad and Brock Thomas.
Kris Hutson (WR) — Entered Transfer Portal
Another wideout departs Eugene, as Hutson announced on Dec. 5 that he would be entering the transfer portal. Hutson was a four-star prospect out of high school and saw regular action in 2021 and 2022, but only caught one pass for eight yards last season. In his three-year Oregon career, Hutson totaled 80 receptions for 936 yards and two touchdowns.
Still remaining out wide for the Ducks are several prospects, likely led by Tez Johnson, who could bid to take over the WR1 slot after a record-breaking season from Troy Franklin.
Khyree Jackson (CB)— Declared for NFL Draft
Jackson, the Ducks’ lockdown cornerback, declared for the draft on Dec. 8. After a successful season in which he registered 34 tackles, two sacks, and three interceptions in 2023, culminating in an interception in the Pac-12 Championship.
Jackson announced his intent to forego Oregon’s bowl game appearance, instead opting to prepare for the draft. On social media, he wrote, “To my friends and family, thank you for the unconditional support. Your belief in me has been a constant source of inspiration. My journey from junior college to Alabama and ending in Oregon has been remarkable. I am grateful for my time at Alabama and the role it played in the development of me as a man. At Oregon, Coach Lanning, Coach Tosh, and Coach Meat, your guidance and mentorship has been invaluable, and I will forever cherish the experiences and lessons learned under your leadership. To my Oregon teammates, I want to express my deep appreciation for welcoming me here with open arms. I am proud to be a part of this family.”
Trikweze Bridges (CB) — Entered Transfer Portal
Bridges announced that he would enter the transfer portal on Dec. 5, following a season in Eugene where he posted 16 tackles and two passes defended. While he was largely stuck behind Khyree Jackson and Dontae Manning Jr. in 2023, he managed four total tackles in Oregon’s blockbuster 36-33 loss to the Washington Huskies in Week 7, a season high.
He wrote on social media that, “Being a part of the Oregon family has been an honor and a privilege. The unwavering support from the fan base has been amazing, and I am grateful for the energy and enthusiasm that you bring to every game. …Thank you once again for everything Duck Nation. I am proud to have been a part of the Oregon family and Oregon will always have a special place in my heart. Once a Duck, always a Duck.”
A three-star prospect by 247Sports, Bridges is the one of two cornerbacks to depart Eugene alongside Jackson.
The Ducks retain current upperclassmen Dontae Manning Jr. and Jahlil Florence, alongside 2023 freshmen Rodrick Pleasant, Daylen Austin, and Solomon Davis in the position heading into 2024.
Bryan Addison (S) — Entered Transfer Portal
The first safety to declare his intent to enter the portal, Addison announced that he would seek playing time elsewhere in his final year on Dec. 4. The senior spent five seasons in Eugene, finishing with a career 29 solo tackles, four interceptions, and one forced fumble.
However, in 2023, Addison spent much of the season away from the team due to “personal matters”, head coach Dan Lanning said. The last game he featured in was on Sept. 23, against Colorado. He wrote on social media, “Oregon, thank you for all the memories and lifelong friends you have brought me…it was a blessing to be a Duck but my time has come to an end.”
He enters the portal with a successful 2022 under his belt — then, he racked up 19 solo tackles and two interceptions. At safety, Oregon retains senior Steve Stephens IV, junior Tysheem Johnson Jr., and current freshmen Cole Martin, Tyler Turner, Kodi DeCambra and Collin Gill.
On Dec. 12, Addison announced that he had committed to UCLA ahead of the 2024 season.
Ashton Cozart (WR) — Entered Transfer Portal
True freshman wide receiver Cozart announced that entered the portal on Nov. 29, the first Duck to do so. The former four-star recruit will search for a new team with four years of eligibility remaining after not seeing the field in 2023.
He wrote on social media, “I am grateful for the short time I spent at the University of Oregon. However, after having discussions with my family and mentors, I have made the decision to enter the transfer portal…I am ready to compete and make the most of this new chapter in my athletic career.”
Oregon boasted a range of talent in its 2023 wide receiver room, led by Biletnikoff nominee Troy Franklin and star Tez Johnson. It’s not clear yet who will return — Franklin is expected to declare for the draft, while Johnson is up in the air, but Cozart will ply his talents elsewhere in 2024.
Josh Delgado (WR) — Entered Transfer Portal
Delgado, a third-year Duck, announced that he would enter the portal on Dec. 4. In his three years in Eugene, the wide receiver totaled 15 receptions for 195 yards, led by a freshman year where he hauled in 11 passes for 147 yards.
A four-star prospect out of high school, Delgado has two years of eligibility left as he departs Eugene. After his announcement, KEZI reported that he was arrested in his car on Dec. 7 on suspicion of DUII, reckless driving, and hit and run. He was subsequently released on bond.
Von Reames (WR) — Entered Transfer Portal
After his second season in Eugene, Reames announced that he would enter the transfer portal on Dec. 7. The wide receiver utilized a redshirt in 2021 before playing 41 snaps on special teams and five on offense in 2022. A Reisterstown, Maryland native, the 5-7, 175 pound pass catcher posted impressive high school statistics, but was not rated by 247Sports.
Tevita Pome’e (DL) — Entered Transfer Portal
Pome’e, a 3-star defensive lineman out of high school, announced on Dec. 8 that he would enter the transfer portal. A true freshman, Pome’e graduated from Layton Christian Academy in Utah, where he was ranked as the seventh-best player in the state, 71st-best defensive lineman, and 662nd-best nationally.
