Oregon Ducks tie 2024 team for number of preseason All Americans
The Oregon Ducks were well represented on AP preseason All American list.
Oregon is kicking off the 2025 season with some serious star power. The Associated Press named three Ducks to its preseason All-America teams, with safety Dillon Thieneman earning a first-team nod, and running back Makhi Hughes, along with pass rusher Matayo Uiagalelei, landing on the second team.
Thieneman, a transfer from Purdue, wasted no time making his mark nationally last season. One of the most productive safeties in the country, he piled up 104 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, a sack, and seven pass breakups. Now in Eugene, he’ll anchor the Ducks’ secondary and bring a playmaking aspect to a defense with championship aspirations.
Hughes arrives from Tulane after a breakout year in which he rushed for 1,401 yards and 15 touchdowns. He also showed versatility by catching 19 passes for 176 yards and two more scores. Oregon fans expect him to lead the Ducks’ rushing attack and be a focal point of their offense.
On defense, Uiagalelei is set to terrorize opposing quarterbacks once again. The junior recorded 38 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, and 10.5 sacks last year, establishing himself as the Big Ten’s top returning edge rusher. His mix of power and speed makes him one of the Ducks’ most feared defenders.
The three preseason All-Americans tie Oregon’s total from a year ago, when Dillon Gabriel, Tez Johnson, and Ajani Cornelius made the second team.
Oregon plays Montana State on August 30th in Eugene to start the season.
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