Oregon’s Dan Lanning gives positive injury update on prized 5-star freshman who may be able to return sooner than expected
5-star safety Trey McNutt may be able to return from injury this season.
Oregon head coach Dan Lanning provided a promising update on five-star true freshman safety Trey McNutt, who suffered a broken leg during fall camp and has yet to make his collegiate debut. When asked this week if there’s a chance McNutt could return before the end of the season, Lanning said simply, “There’s certainly a possibility.”
That statement offers a glimmer of hope for Ducks fans eager to see the talented Ohio native take the field. McNutt was one of the most highly touted recruits in Oregon’s 2025 class, known for his range, physicality, and ability to play multiple spots in the secondary.
The Ducks’ safety group has performed at a high level in McNutt’s absence, led by standout transfer Dillon Thieneman, who was recently named a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, given annually to the nation’s top defensive back. Still, adding a player of McNutt’s caliber late in the season would be a major boost to Oregon’s depth as the Ducks gear up for the stretch run of their Big Ten schedule.
Still, the addition of McNutt late in the season could elevate Oregon’s defensive ceiling even further. His ability to cover ground in the deep third, tackle in space, and contribute in run support would give defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi another weapon to deploy against high-powered offenses.
While no official timetable has been set, Lanning’s tone suggested genuine optimism. If McNutt can make it back before the end of the season, it would not only bolster Oregon’s defensive rotation but also give the highly touted freshman valuable experience heading into 2026 — a potential preview of a star in the making for the Ducks.
