ESPN analyst believes that the Oregon Ducks could break their program record for most players drafted for the third straight year in a row
The Oregon Ducks have broken the program record for most NFL players drafted the last two seasons. An ESPN analyst believes they could do it again in 2026.
The Oregon Ducks have had an impressive run of sending players to the NFL. Head coach Dan Lanning and his staff have been excellent at recruiting top talent and, more importantly, developing them when they get on campus so that they are ready for the next level.
In 2023, the Ducks tied the school record with the most players drafted, with six. They then broke that record in 2024 with eight players drafted, and in 2025, the program broke the record again with 10 players drafted.
As we enter the 2025 college football season, the Ducks could be on the verge of yet another record-breaking year, sending players to the NFL. ESPN’s Jordan Reid recently wrote an article that discusses which college programs have the most NFL prospects on their roster. Reid listed Oregon third in his rankings and predicted Oregon would have 12 players drafted, and four of those players would hear their name called on day one.
Reid listed offensive tackle Isaiah World as the Ducks’ top prospect to know and highlighted how an NFL scout told him that World has the potential to go in the first round. World is a transfer from Nevada who will have a tremendous opportunity to prove his skills at the BIG-10 level with the Ducks this season. Joining World from the offensive line are interior players Iapani Laloulu, Emmanuel Pregnon, and Alex Harkey, who all have received day three grades from NFL scouts per Reid.
From a skill players perspective, the Ducks are in great shape in terms of NFL talent. Reid listed tight end Kenyon Sadiq as a player who could hear his name called in the first round.
“Kenyon Sadiq is my top-ranked tight end and will take over the primary role from the departed Terrance Ferguson. Sadiq caught 24 passes for 308 yards and two scores as a backup in 2024, and he has the traits and upside to hear his name called in the first round.”
Reid then lists a pair of Oregon running backs as potential dratable prospects, with Tulane transfer Makhi Hughes earning mid-round grades and Noah Whittington earning late-round grades. Both backs could help their stock with strong seasons and should get plenty of opportunity as the Ducks are expected to run the ball more this season as they break in a new quarterback.
On the defensive side of the ball, Reid lists defensive end Matayo Uiagalelei as a player who has earned day-two grades. Expect Uiagalelei to work his way up the board to the first round with a strong season. Along with Uiagalelei on the defensive line, A’Mauri Washington was listed as receiving mid-round grades. Washington was recently listed fourth overall in Bruce Feldman’s “Freaks List,” so the athletic traits are certainly there.
Reid mentions Purdue transfer safety Dillon Thieneman as a player who could be the Ducks’ highest-drafted defensive prospect. He is a ballhawking safety who has had excellent production throughout his young career. Lastly, Reid mentions linebacker Bryce Boettcher as a player who has received late-round grades.
While things can change as the season progresses, the Ducks appear to be in a good position to break the program record for most prospects drafted yet again in 2026.
