As Oregon’s pre-season winds down and the season begins on Aug. 30 at Autzen Stadium, the Ducks have shown that their roster has depth in every area; with that depth comes the potential for standout freshman. While they still need to prove themselves on the field, here are six freshmen to look out for this coming season. 

1. Dakorien Moore: wide receiver from Duncanville, Texas.

Moore is said to be one of — if not the best — freshman right now at Oregon. Moore, a talented multi-sport athlete, has a five-star ranking and is unanimously ranked first nationally among high school wide receivers and fifth in Texas. Moore’s overall national ranking is No. 9. Moore finished his time at Duncanville High School with 204 receptions, 4,113 receiving yards, an average of 20.2 per reception and 48 touchdown receptions. 

2. Dierre Hill Jr.: running back from Centralia, Illinois.

At 5 foot 11’inches and 205 pounds, Hill was a mutli-sport athlete in high school and a four-star running back from Illinois. Hill Jr. is ranked No. 230 nationally by 247 Sports, No. 13 nationally at running back and sixth out of Illinois. His career at Althoff Catholic High School ended with Hill Jr. totaling over 5,000 rushing yards off 287 carries, an average of 15.2 rushing yards per carry, and 65 rushing touchdowns in 24 games. Hill also ended high school with 546 receiving yards, an average of 21 yards per reception and six touchdowns. 

3. Ify Obidegwu: redshirt freshman cornerback from Baltimore, Maryland.

Obidegwu, who committed to Oregon on May 7, 2023, came out of St. Frances Academy ranked No. 55 overall nationally, No. 6 overall at the corner back position and first in Maryland. In his senior year, Obidegwu had 61 tackles and three interceptions. Head coach Dan Lanning said that Obidegwu has developed a better understanding of his role on the team. Obidegwu looks to make his way onto the field this year. 

4. Luke Moga: redshirt freshman quarterback from Phoenix, Arizona.

Another redshirt freshman, Moga is back and looking to compete for any playing time in an already stacked quarterback room. The quarterback room has a large number of true-freshman, but because Moga has been at Oregon for a year already, he most likely has more of an opportunity to see action than the other freshmen on the team; however, Moga may only see a very small amount. Despite not being in the running for substantial playing time this season, Moga adds talent and depth to the Ducks quarterback room. Moga came out of high school known as a dual-threat quarterback and a talented three-star prospect; he had a 100-meter time of 10.49, and threw for 4326 yards, 51 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. 

5. Brandon Finney Jr.: freshman defensive back from Owings Mills, Maryland.

Finney comes out of the McDonogh School in Maryland as a four-star recruit ranked No. 47 nationally, No. 8 at cornerback and first in the state of Maryland. Finney finished high school having played on both sides of the ball (cornerback and wide receiver), with 57 total tackles (33 solo, 24 assisted) and seven interceptions. Finney committed on June 25, 2024.

6. Na’eem Offord: freshman from Birmingham, Alabama.

Offord is another renowned defensive back who will pair well with Finney out on the field. Offord is a very high ranked recruit coming out of high school: five-star, No. 17 nationally, third at cornerback and first in the state of Alabama. Offord had 73 total tackles (55 solo, 18 assisted) and nine interceptions. Like Finney, Offord also played on the other side of the ball. 

Going back to depth, the defensive back room is packed. After adding Purdue transfer Dillon Thieneman, Offord, Finney and Obidegwu may have the talent to be on the field, but most likely won’t be starting this season. 

Oregon looks to go farther this year coming off a phenomenal last season. Obidegwu seems to be ready for action in key moments. True freshmen like Hill Jr. and Moore can continue the spark this Oregon team looks to replicate on offense. These freshmen can be key parts of this Oregon team this year and beyond.