Scott Pagano, one of the most sought after graduate transfers of the offseason, announced on Friday that he will enroll at Oregon for next season.
Pagano took visits to Notre Dame and Oklahoma but ultimately selected the Ducks over the Sooners. Pagano will likely have an instant impact for the Ducks’ defensive line. He’s also a likely NFL first-round pick. CBS Sports ranks him as the No. 7 defensive tackle prospect in the 2018 draft class.
The 6-foot-3, 295-pound Pagano most recently won a national title with Clemson but elected to graduate and transfer following the season.
The Honolulu native cited Oregon’s academic program and a strong defensive line coach in Joe Salave’a as factors in his decision.
“After much thought and deliberation, I have decided to transfer to the University of Oregon for my final year of eligibility and to pursue a Sports Management Master’s,” Pagano wrote on Instagram. “This was a tough decision because of all the great programs that expressed interest in me along with having to leave Clemson. … Oregon is where I felt the most at home and it is a great fit for me both on and off the field. I can’t wait to get to Eugene to start making new friends and playing for and learning from one of the best DLine coaches in the country.”
Pagano had 31 tackles last season and 92 overall in three seasons with Clemson.

To My Family, Friends and Supporters: I want to thank all of you who supported me and my decision to transfer over the last few months. When I announced my intentions, I didn’t know how people would react.  Thankfully almost everyone was respectful of my decision and wished me well on my journey. I’m very appreciative of that and it definitely speaks volumes of the class and character of my Clemson Family.  After taking several visits, I can honestly say there is no place like Clemson. A part of me will always miss Clemson and the relationships I have built here. I’ll definitely be back to visit. After much thought and deliberation, I have decided to transfer to the University of Oregon for my final year of eligibility and to pursue a Sports Management Master’s. This was a tough decision because of all the great programs that expressed interest in me along with having to leave Clemson. I want to thank all the coaches that took the time to get to know me during this process. However, Oregon is where I felt most at home and it is a great fit for me both on and off the field. I can’t wait to get to Eugene to start making new friends and playing for and learning from one of the best DLine coaches in the country. Last but definitely not least, I have to thank my mom, dad, sisters and the rest of my family for supporting me through this process and my entire football career. I know these past few months were not easy on you. I want you to know that I am thankful and feel blessed to have a family who is willing to make sacrifices day end and day out so that I can pursue my dreams. Mahalo and Go Ducks!!!

A post shared by Scott J Pagano Jr. (@scottpagano56) on Apr 14, 2017 at 9:03am PDT