Ify Obidegwu Previews Northwestern Matchup: "Keeping my head down and working"
Oregon’s secondary is filled with new contributors in 2025 and redshirt freshman Ify Obidegwu earned a starting job at cornerback opposite true freshman Brandon Finney Jr.
With two starts under his belt, he met with the media following Oregon’s practice on Tuesday to preview a Week 3 matchup against Northwestern. Below are some of the top quotes from his media availability and full video.
On what’s allowed him to be successful this season, earn starting role
Obidegwu: “I’d probably just say keeping my head down and working. Trying to master the playbook, all the coverage checks, the adjustments. Taking it one day at a time. One percent at practice and getting better. Just competing and going hard.”
On growing in secondary with Brandon Finney Jr., relationship coming into Oregon
Obidegwu: “Oh yeah Brandon, that’s my guy. We’re always getting in extra work. We definitely tapped in back at home too, for sure. It’s fun growing up, our first time together. So we’re just learning together. We’re growing together and we’re just happy for each other when each other makes plays. It’s great.”
On what he did last year to improve
Obidegwu: “Just taking the time, watching extra film, just getting extra work. Coming out, going hard at practice. Just doing the little things right, looking at the little details. Just going the extra mile.”
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On blocking ability of Oregon wide receivers
Obidegwu: “The receivers, Coach Ross (Douglas) he always, they preach if you don’t block you don’t get the rock. They always go hard and make sure they block. That just goes to show our connection with our team. Everybody wants to see everybody eat. So they’re gonna go hard for the man next to ’em. I’ve been seeing that a lot from them at practice too, they bring it every time too, for sure.”
On what he’s seen from Northwestern WR #17 (Griffin Wilde)
Obidegwu: “He’s a good route runner. Big size, about–he’s their go-to target for sure. Likes to get in space. He has a great yards after catch too. He’s a great player.”
On if there’s a pressure to go undefeated in conference, expectation to repeat
Obidegwu: “I wouldn’t say it’s no pressure. We’re not looking ahead of time or anything like that. End of the season. We’re just living in the moment now. We’re going 1-0 every week. We’re just handling one game at a time and we’re just trying to go 1-0 every week and day by day.”
On what stands out about Northwestern QB Preston Stone
Obidegwu: “He goes through his reads well. Got a nice arm. Likes to get the ball to 17. He’s a good player, so we’re just studying him, getting ready for him. Should be good.”
