Dan Lanning: Kenyon Sadiq 'balled out' in EA's College Football 26, has chance to be nation's best TE

When Dan Lanning played EA Sports College Football 26 for the first time, he dominated with Kenyon Sadiq. The coach believes that could be an indication of what fans can expect out of the Oregon tight end this upcoming season.

Speaking at Big Ten media days on Wednesday, Lanning told reporters that he played the video game recently with his son. After seeing the way Sadiq performed in the virtual world, he jokingly said he would have to tell his quarterbacks to get him the ball more in the real world.

“Yesterday was the first time I played it, but I played with my youngest son, Titan,” Lanning said. “…Sadiq went off. He balled out. So I need to make sure I bring that up to our quarterbacks, ‘Throw it to Kenyon.’ Because he’s been unbelievable this offseason. If you just see him work, it’s not a secret.”

Sadiq played in all 14 games for the Ducks in 2024 to record 24 catches for 308 yards and a pair of touchdowns. But with Oregon losing its top four leaders in receiving yards from a year ago, including tight end Terrance Ferguson, Saqid is expected to see a lot more targets.

So far in spring practice, Lanning noticed a good connection with quarterbacks Dante Moore and Austin Novosad and Sadiq. This could be a breakout season for the junior, with Lanning even going as far as to say he has potential to be one of the best tight ends in the country.

“There is a chemistry being developed and that’s part of what fall camp’s about,” Lanning said. “Our quarterbacks getting on the same page as our tight ends, our wideouts, our backs and just creating that rhythm.

“…Kenyon’s gonna be hard for people to deal with. He’s a special player. I think he can be the best tight end in the nation. When you have a great rhythm with your quarterbacks being able to get the ball to him, it’s gonna be a special weapon for us.”

Time will tell whether Lanning’s prediction comes true. With so much turnover in the offense not only at receiver and tight end, but quarterback as well, the passing game will be looking for a new target to lean on.

That could very well be Kenyon Sadiq, who’s gotten love from analysts around the country such as David Pollack. Perhaps he can even put up video-game numbers right away in the season opener against Montana State on Aug. 30.