Where will the Oregon Ducks focus attention in the transfer portal?

We still have over three weeks until the transfer portal opens up in the world of college football, with things shifting this season to a 15-day window, starting on January 1, 2026, allowing players to mark themselves as eligible to move schools.

However, things are going to get a bit busy for Dan Lanning and the Oregon Ducks here in about a week as they start their prep for a College Football Playoff run, which begins with a home game against the James Madison Dukes on December 20.

This means that we are going to get ahead of things and jump on some transfer portal talk before all hell breaks loose in Eugene. While the portal doesn't open for a few weeks, it's never too early to start looking at the roster and assessing where some potential needs might lie for the 2026 roster. Of course, it's impossible to accurately depict where all of the needs will be, as several players are still left to either declare for the 2026 NFL draft or enter the portal themselves.

However, we can at least forecast ahead and try to identify some major areas of need, or potential positions where the Ducks seemingly have things covered. Let's dive in.

Quarterbacks

Transfer Portal Need: Potentially Very Low

Analysis: The answer to this question depends entirely on what Dante Moore decides to do after this year. If Moore returns, then you have no need for a quarterback in the portal, even as a depth piece. However, if Moore chooses to declare for the 2026 NFL draft, then this becomes the No. 1 position of need for the Ducks. There are decent players in the QB room, but if Oregon is going to realize its championship potential without Moore in 2026, then it will be with another portal passer.

Running Backs

Transfer Portal Need: Moderately Low

Analysis: If I had to put money on it, Oregon does not go into the portal for an RB this year. While they will lose Noah Whittington to the NFL, and there will likely be some attrition between Jayden Limar, Jay Harris, and Da'Jaun Riggs, you have to feel really good about what you have with Jordon Davison and Dierre Hill. On top of that, Oregon is bringing in Tradarian Ball as a true freshman, and there is the possibility that Makhi Hughes is truly taking a redshirt in order to learn the Oregon system better and is set to stay in Eugene for another year. If that's the case, then you're pretty set at the RB spot.

Wide Receivers

Transfer Portal Need: Moderate

Analysis: You may think that, with all of the talent that Oregon has at the WR spot, they have no need for a portal pass-catcher. However, there have been rumblings of some big names getting set to enter the portal at this position, and it wouldn't be a surprise to see the Ducks try to land one of them if they do become available. Should that not happen, though, Oregon likely feels fantastic about going into the new season with the likes of Dakorien Moore, Evan Stewart, Jeremiah McClellan, Jalen Lott, Gatlin Bair, Dillon Gresham, and Cooper Perry, among others, out wide.

Tight Ends

Transfer Portal Need: Low

Analysis: This might have been a different answer a couple of months ago, but after what Jamari Johnson has shown this year as the TE2 in Eugene, Oregon should feel great about the position, even after Kenyon Sadiq heads off to the NFL. Johnson absolutely has what it takes to be a TE1, and with guys like Roger Saleapaga and Vander Ploog, plus incoming freshman 5-star Kendre Harrison, the Ducks should feel pretty good here.

Offensive Tackle

Transfer Portal Need: Low

Analysis: Once again, Oregon is going to lose both tackles to the NFL, but the question is about whether or not they feel good about their next guys up. I have to think they do, especially after seeing what Gernorris Wilson and Fox Crader have been able to do in their moments on the field this year. If a star enters the portal and you can get him, maybe the Ducks think about it, but there are certainly much bigger needs on this list.

Interior Offensive Line

Transfer Portal Need: Moderately High

Analysis: Oregon has a lot of depth on the interior offensive line, but it's about finding who you trust to be a starter going into the new year. I think the biggest question mark will come at the center position, where Iapani Laloulu is going to be off to the NFL. Who replaces him there? If it's someone on the roster like Devin Brooks who gives the coaching staff confidence, great. If not, Oregon could go into the portal for a C.

Interior Defensive Line

Transfer Portal Need: Moderate

Analysis: The Ducks will likely lose both of their defensive tackles to the NFL once again, with A'Mauri Washington and Bear Alexander expected to make the jump to the NFL, and rightfully so. This is a place where Oregon has a good amount of depth, though, and guys like Aydin Breland, Tionne Gray, Terrance Green, Jericho Johnson and Matt Johnson are all likely more than capable of stepping into bigger roles. However, Lanning does have a great track record of turning a project DT into an NFL star, so never be surprised if the Ducks take someone here.

Edge Rushers

Transfer Portal Need: Low

Analysis: This is a position where I would be surprised to see the Ducks hit the portal hard. There's always a chance that Matayo Uiagalelei returns, and even if he doesn't, Oregon has guys like Teitum Tuioti, Blake Purchase, Elijah Rushing, Nasir Wyatt, and incoming 5-star Anthony 'Tank' Jones to step into bigger roles. This position is near the bottom of the list as far as needs go for me.

Linebackers

Transfer Portal Need: High

Analysis: If EDGE is at the bottom of the list of needs, then linebacker may be at the top. Bryce Boettcher is set to graduate, and while Jerry Mixon has been solid, and you have guys like Devon Jackson, Brayden Platt, Dylan Williams, and Gavin Nix set to return, you need more. I absolutely expect Oregon to go out and get a proven, star linebacker in the portal this year.

Cornerbacks

Transfer Portal Need: Very Low

Analysis: Thanks to outstanding recruiting, the cornerback position is absolutely set for the Ducks going forward. Brandon Finney Jr. and Ify Obidegwu lead the way, and then you have guys like Na'eem Offord, Dorian Brew, and incoming star Davon Benjamin set to take on a bigger role as well. The Ducks will not be taking a CB in the portal.

Safeties

Transfer Portal Need: Very Low

Analysis: Much like CB, I think Oregon is completely set at the safety position. While Dillon Thieneman is likely going to jump to the NFL, guys like Aaron Flowers, Kingston Lopa, and Peyton Woodyard all return. On top of that, you have 5-star Trey McNutt expected to be healthy, and incoming 5-star Jett Washington ready to get into the mix as well.

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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Breaking down the Oregon Ducks' potential transfer portal needs