Projecting Who’s Staying and Who’s Leaving from Oregon After Rose Bowl Loss

After a perfect run to the College Football Playoff, top-ranked Oregon endured a swift defeat. on Wednesday

How the 2024 season ended—a 41-21 loss to Ohio State in the Rose Bowl—should not overshadow a very strong campaign for the Ducks. Nevertheless, it was a disappointing end to a terrific year.

The program made its Big Ten debut this season, and Oregon put together a perfect 12-0 record. Dan Lanning’s team outlasted Penn State in the conference championship game to finish 13-0 and enter the CFP as the nation’s undisputed No. 1 seed.

Unfortunately for Oregon, that’s where it ended.

But as we look ahead to the 2025 season, the Ducks are positioned well to remain in the national conversation.

The Next QB?

Given how active Oregon can be with transfers, it may be dangerous to crown Dante Moore as QB1 in 2025. At this moment, however, the former UCLA starter is trending that direction. Moore played sparingly for the Ducks this season but tallied 1,610 yards as a true freshman at UCLA.

Star Pass-Rusher

More on this shortly, but Oregon’s defense is set to undergo a facelift. However, the pass-rushing group will be built around Matayo Uiagalelei. Even before the CFP began, he’d racked up 37 tackles with 12.5 for loss (10.5 sacks) and two forced fumbles.

Standout Linebackers

The defense also brings back Teitum Tuioti and Devon Jackson, two valuable players in the front six/seven. Tuioti notched 54 tackles with 5.5 sacks through the Big Ten Championship Game, and Jackson added 48 stops during that stretch as a complement to the Ducks’ veteran linebackers.

Most of the Offense

The biggest loss is Dillon Gabriel, a record-setting QB during his six college years. Oregon also needs to replace key receivers Tez Johnson and Traeshon Holden, along with right tackle Ajani Cornelius. That doesn’t look so bad until you consider that a few others—running backs Jordan James and Noah Whittington, wideout Evan Stewart and left tackle Josh Conerly Jr. among them—are likely NFL-bound.

Most of the Defense

Let’s be honest, you know? This is a thorough rebuild in Eugene. We know edge-rusher Jordan Burch, linebackers Bryce Boettcher, Jeffrey Bassa and Jestin Jacobs, cornerbacks Jabbar Muhammad, Nikko Reed and Dontae Manning, nickelback Brandon Johnson and safety Tysheem Johnson are out of eligibility. Defensive tackles Derrick Harmon and Jamaree Caldwell and safety Kobe Savage may enter the 2025 NFL draft, as well.

Outgoing Transfers

The optimist says Oregon can withstand just about any transfer, and I’m inclined to agree. Simultaneously, it’s fair to point out the Ducks’ departures. In particular, UO is losing depth at edge-rusher with Emar’rion Winston, Jaeden Moore and Jaxson Jones in the portal.

Potential Starters from the Portal

Not in the least because of its financial backing, Oregon is a significant player for transfers. At least five of the Ducks’ six commits should contribute immediately. Offensive tackles Isaiah World and Alex Harkey hail from Nevada and Texas State, respectively, and UO also has USC defensive tackle Bear Alexander, Northwestern cornerback Theran Johnson and Purdue safety Dillon Thieneman on the way.

5-Star from Big Ten Country

Technically speaking, the West Coast is part of Big Ten country. Realistically, we’re talking about the Midwest—and the Ducks waltzed into Ohio and scored a major recruiting win with safety Trey McNutt. The prized prospect from Cleveland is rated 28th overall in the class.

Top-5 Recruiting Class

Oregon has a couple more 5-star signees with receiver Dakorien Moore (fourth overall) and cornerback Na’eem Offord (11th). Also in the nation’s fifth-ranked haul are 4-star corners Brandon Finney (39th) and Dorian Brew (49th). On paper, this is a spectacular class of defensive backs.