Ted's Top-5 Most Important Transfers for Duck Success in 2025

During Dan Lanning’s tenure as Oregon’s head coach, the transfer portal has consistently delivered game-changing talent for the Ducks. Players like Dillon Gabriel, Bo Nix, Bucky Irving, Tez Johnson, and Jordan Burch have all made major impacts during their time in Eugene—many parlaying that success into NFL opportunities.

Oregon’s 2025 transfer class might be one of the most talented and influential yet. These additions will be crucial to the Ducks reaching their full potential this season. So, which transfers matter most? Here are my Top 5.

#5 Bear Alexander

Oregon’s defensive line is really good and really deep, so if the Ducks were going to take a transfer, they weren’t going to bring in just anybody, and Mr. Alexander is not your average bear. 

Despite facing challenges in his career, his 2023 season in Los Angeles showcased his potential. He recorded 48 tackles and 7 tackles for loss on a struggling USC defense. Now, paired with A’Mauri Washington and Matayo Uiagalelei, he won’t need to carry the load alone. But if coaches Tosh Lupoi and Tony Tuoti can help him reach his full potential, this defensive line could be among the best in college football.

#4 Emmanuel Pregnon

Alique Terry praised the size of Oregon’s transfer offensive linemen this spring, and it’s easy to see why. Former USC guard Emmanuel Pregnon, standing at 6’5″ and 320 pounds, is a natural fit at left guard for the Ducks in 2025.

Pregnon started every game for the Trojans over the past two seasons. While his size suggests strength in the run game — and he certainly delivers there — his value as a pass blocker might be even greater. He didn’t allow a single sack last season and earned a 70.0 PFF pass-blocking grade over seven games.

#3 Makhai Hughes

Oregon’s running back room is as deep as it’s ever been, but every stable needs a thoroughbred—and the Ducks are hoping Makhi Hughes is their horse to bet on this season. Hughes racked up 2,779 yards and 22 touchdowns over the past two seasons at Tulane and looks like a natural plug-and-play replacement following Jordan James’ departure.

With a first-year starting quarterback, a reliable running back could be one of offensive coordinator Will Stein’s biggest assets. While Hughes may not replicate the gaudy numbers he posted in New Orleans, his physical running style will be crucial—especially down the stretch in Big Ten matchups that define November football.

#2 Dillon Thieneman

Over the past few seasons, Oregon has steadily improved at the safety position, but the leap in talent from 2024 to 2025 looks to be the most significant yet. Dillon Thieneman might be the most gifted safety the Ducks have had since Jevon Holland, and his arrival comes at a critical time as Oregon aims to compete with college football’s elite.

A two-time All-Big Ten selection, Thieneman has tallied 210 tackles over two seasons at Purdue. Meanwhile, during those same seasons, Oregon lost just three games—often because they lacked a player of his caliber in the secondary. Losses to Washington in 2023 and Ohio State to start 2025 highlighted the need for elite talent on the back end. The Ducks’ staff believes Thieneman could be the missing piece in their pursuit of a championship.

#1 Isaiah World

It’s fitting that Oregon’s projected starting left tackle for the 2025 season is named Isaiah World. World is drawing Earth sized hype as a potential future first-round draft pick, and with the departure of Josh Conerly, the expectations for him are sky-high. At 6’8” and 312 pounds, he’s a massive presence—almost planet-sized.

With new and dynamic playmakers like Dante Moore, Dakorien Moore, and Kenyon Sadiq stepping into starting roles, World’s ability to protect and create time for them to flourish will be crucial to Oregon’s offensive success in 2025. If he lives up to the projections, this will once again be a Joe Moore Award-caliber offensive line.