Where does Oregon stand when it comes to transfer portal needs?
The Oregon Ducks have not utilized the transfer portal as abundantly this year as we’ve seen in prior years, but they’ve arguably been more prolific and proficient with their additions, getting commitments from some of the best available players in the portal.
With just 9 incoming transfers so far, Oregon has the No. 4-ranked class in the nation after adding the No. 3, No. 6, No. 18, and No. 53 players in the class with commitments from Evan Stewart, Dante Moore, Ja’Maree Caldwell, and Dillon Gabriel at the top of the list.
Going into the offseason, they had a roster that was stacked with blue-chip players, but there were a handful of needs and potential needs, depending on who decided to return to Eugene for 2024 or head into the NFL Draft. Fortunately for Oregon fans, many of those players have decided to come back for one last ride.
So with the roster in its current construction, are there any other needs that the Ducks need to fill in the transfer portal this year? Let’s take a look back at our needs coming into the offseason and assess:
Quarterback
Transfer Additions
Dillon Gabriel
Dante Moore
Transfer Losses
Ty Thompson
NFL Declarations
Bo Nix
Analysis: Obviously, the Ducks have no need for more quarterbacks in the transfer portal after landing two of the best available this year in Dante Moore and Dillon Gabriel. With the additions this year, the Ducks should be set at the QB spot for years to come.
Running Back
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Transfer Additions
Jay Harris
Transfer Losses
Dante Dowdell
NFL Declarations
Bucky Irving
Analysis: With the addition of Jay Harris, and the return of Noah Whittington, the Ducks don’t have a need at the RB spot any longer, even with the departures of Bucky Irving and Dante Dowdell.
Wide Receiver
Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
Transfer Additions
Evan Stewart
Transfer Losses
Kris Hutson
Ashton Cozart
Josh Delgado
NFL Declarations
Troy Franklin
Analysis: The Ducks had a slight need at the WR position this past week, but they filled it in the best way possible by adding Evan Stewart, the No. 1 receiver in the portal. Now, even with the loss of Troy Franklin to the NFL, the Ducks’ WR room looks as talented as it has in a long time.
Tight End
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Transfer Additions
None
Transfer Losses
Casey Kelly
NFL Declarations
None
Analysis: The Ducks lost Casey Kelly to the portal, but with the announced return of Terrance Ferguson and Patrick Herbert, they definitely don’t need anyone at TE from the portal.
Offensive Line
Rich Janzaruk-USA TODAY Sports
Transfer Additions
Matthew Bedford
Transfer Losses
None
NFL Declarations
Jackson Powers-Johnson
Steven Jones
Junior Angilau
Analysis: Oregon has three of their five starters returning from last season, and they also added Matthew Bedford from Indiana, so the offensive line is looking very set when it comes to starting talent and depth on the roster. No transfer portal needs here.
Interior Defensive Line
Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Transfer Additions
Ja’Maree Caldwell
Transfer Losses
Tevita Pome’e
NFL Declarations
Brandon Dorlus
Taki Taimani
Casey Rogers
Popo Auamavae
Analysis: Interior defensive line was arguably the biggest portal need in my opinion, until this last week, at least. The Ducks added Ja’Maree Caldwell, the No. 2 DL in the portal, and now have a veteran presence leading an incredibly talented and deep young group of players. I would say that they could still add another veteran guy if the right one becomes available in the portal, but it is by no means a “need.”
Linebacker
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Transfer Additions
None
Transfer Losses
None
NFL Declarations
Jamal Hill
Analysis: The Ducks didn’t lose anyone to the portal at this position, and they didn’t add anyone either. However, with the return of both Jeffrey Bassa and Jestin Jacobs, Oregon’s LB group is strong going into 2024. I think that, like the DL, they could still add someone in the future if the right option became available, but it’s not a need by any means.
Cornerback
(Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images)
Transfer Additions
Kam Alexander
Transfer Losses
Trikweze Bridges
NFL Declarations
Khyree Jackson
Analysis: The Ducks did a great job of replacing Khyree Jackson by adding UTSA CB Kam Alexander through the portal, and there seems to be a decent chance that they add former Washington CB Jabbar Muhammad as well. At the moment, they are talented and deep at the position, but if you have an All-Pac-12 player like Muhammad wanting to join the team, you don’t say no. Other than that, though, there is definitely not a need at CB.
Safety
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Transfer Additions
Kobe Savage
Transfer Losses
Cole Martin
Daymon David
Bryan Addison
NFL Declarations
Evan Williams
Steve Stephens IV
Analysis: This is the one position where I think Oregon could stand to add someone, but it’s not a dire need at all. Adding Kobe Savage from Kansas State was a big win, and there’s a believe among people in the program who I’ve talked to that freshman Aaron Flowers could be an instant-impact player and contribute right away. However, I wouldn’t be shocked to see the Ducks add another safety this offseason, should the right player become available.
Kicker
Craig Strobeck-USA TODAY Sports
Transfer Additions
Atticus Sappington
Transfer Losses
None
NFL Declarations
Camden Lewis
Analysis: With Camden Lewis graduating, the Ducks brought in Atticus Sappington from Oregon State, and he should be able to win the starting job and lead a talented group of kickers. I don’t see a need for any more additions at this group.
Analysis
(Photo Courtesy of Ethan Landa)
As you can see, the Ducks are in a pretty great position right now when it comes to roster needs. At the moment, they don’t have any dire needs, but are rather in a spot where they could take someone if it improves their roster, but don’t have to go searching for improvements at any specific position.
Being in that situation before spring ball even starts and the second transfer portal window opens is certainly ideal, because it allows you to focus on your roster and only add players if they make sense. In short, the Ducks are in a fantastic spot right now when it comes to building the 2024 roster.
