With an exhilarating 11-0 streak since joining the B1G, the Ducks showcase talent at every corner of the field, and it’s time to spotlight the exceptional athletes making waves. Our goal isn’t just to celebrate victories but to highlight the key players who’ve transformed the Ducks into college football’s brightest team.
Derrick Harmon (Difference Maker)
Derrick Harmon has taken his game to unimaginable heights this season, emerging as a linchpin for Oregon’s defense. We anticipated his impact but his ability to completely disrupt plays has been spellbinding. Remember that game against Ohio State? Harmon’s sheer dominance was on display when he single-handedly snatched the ball from Quinshon Judkins.
Racking up an impressive 6.5 tackles for loss and 3 sacks, he’s been nothing short of a nightmare for offensive lines. Blocking him? That’s a task nobody envies. As the season wraps up, keep an eye on Harmon as he positions himself for a potential first-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. This guy is unstoppable.
Kobe Savage (Best Hitter)
Kobe Savage has been putting on a show lately for Oregon football fans. His skillful plays in the run game and bone-rattling hits on the edges are thrilling. A standout performance came with a season-high nine tackles just a couple of weeks ago. In a conference known for its physicality and cold weather, Savage is the hard-hitting force Oregon needed to blend speed with muscle.
Kenyon Sadiq (Shooting Star)
We didn’t expect much from Oregon’s tight end room, forecasting limited impact outside of Terrance Ferguson. Yet, Sadiq has stepped up brilliantly in Ferguson’s absence, proving an invaluable asset with unexpected contributions. His agile play has injected dynamism into the team, making many reevaluate his role and potential.
Matayo Uiagalelei (Improved Draft)
We’ve been buzzing about it for years—Kayvon Thibodeaux’s draft left a gap in Oregon football that hasn’t quite been filled. Enter Matayo Uiagalelei. While players like Jordan Burch and Brandon Dorlus have shown glimpses of greatness, Uiagalelei has emerged as a game-changer. His relentless energy and knack for influencing plays make him a standout. Though still developing, his potential is immense, and his future looks incredibly promising.
Jordan James (Best Offense)
As much as we’ve loved seeing the Ducks dominate with Dillon Gabriel at the helm, James has been a crucial component of this offense week after week. He stabilizes away game environments, offering Gabriel a safety valve as a receiving back, and never fumbles the ball (knocked on my desk, don’t worry).
He’s the consummate Oregon running back that perfectly parallels backs of old like Jonathan Stewart, Bucky Irving, Royce Freeman, and Thomas Tyner. As long as Dillon can count on James, this offense should be as dominant as ever.
Jeffrey Bassa (Heart of the Team)
You always see him at the heart of the action, rallying the team and leading by example. His leaps during the Wisconsin game, especially after Uiagalelei’s interception, were spectacular. Have you seen him in coverage recently? He’s evolved from a 2-down linebacker to an every-down playmaker. His commitment and growth this season have been impressive, and he’s certainly earned himself a shot at playing on Sundays next year.
Tez Johnson (Teams Hero)
Tez Johnson has been the Ducks’ secret weapon and a chain mover on the field. Known as Dillon Gabriel’s go-to target and even Bo Nix’s adopted brother, his dynamic play is indispensable. Beyond his offensive prowess, Johnson excels as a punt returner, averaging nearly 13 yards per return. That’s where tight, College Football Playoff-level matchups are won and lost.
This unique skill has been crucial, especially during Gary Bryant Jr.’s absence due to injury. While Evan Stewart and Traeshon Holden have also contributed significantly, it’s clear that Tez’s return game elevates Oregon’s chances. Now, with Tez officially back on the field, Duck fans can breathe easier as they prepare to face Washington and aim for a playoff spot.
Dillon Gabriel (The MVP)
In games when the offensive line wasn’t meshing and receiver rapport hadn’t been built, Gabriel rallied the troops. He’s been a key piece in why Oregon comes out on top. Moving cross-country from his college journey’s start, he’s now in the Heisman Trophy conversation.
Dillon’s leadership, poise, and athleticism keep the Ducks plowing toward the College Football Playoff with a shot at the National Championship. The 2025 NFL Draft is probably waiting for him, too. Keep an eye on the NFL picks from FanDuel if you want to jump on the bandwagon early.
Final Takeaway
In the high-stakes world of college football, individual accolades are often downplayed in favor of a team-first mentality, a value Coach Lanning has instilled in Oregon football. Celebrating standout performances doesn’t detract from the team unity; instead, it highlights the dedication these athletes bring in pursuing their dreams. As the Ducks continue their quest for a national championship, we can’t wait to see what moments of brilliance these players will bring next.
