Forty-two former Oregon Ducks are still on active NFL rosters after roster cutdown day, placing them tied for the eighth-highest mark among all college football programs. That’s a huge number, showing just how much talent keeps flowing out of Eugene and into the big leagues.
Oregon’s Place Among the College Football Elite
When you talk about college football blue-bloods, the Ducks are right there in the mix. Sure, they might not have a vaunted national title on their resume, but for the better part of a decade, they’ve been a serious factor in the College Football Playoff race. Under Coach Lanning, since he took over prior to the 2022 season, the Ducks have put together an insane 48-8 record. That includes victories in the Holiday Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, a CFP First Round game, and the Orange Bowl. That’s serious winning, proving they’re bringing elite talent to the field every single year.
From Draft Day Dominance to NFL Stardom
The talent level coming out of Oregon has been absolutely abundant in recent seasons. They actually set a program record with ten players selected in the 2024 NFL Draft. And get this, that number could have even been higher if quarterback Dante Moore, wide receiver Evan Stewart, tight end Jamari Johnson, and their entire starting defensive line hadn’t returned! But it’s not just the new blood making waves. You’ve got veterans like defensive tackles DeForest Buckner and Arik Armstead still playing at a high level, even in their 30s. Quarterback Justin Herbert and offensive tackle Penei Sewell are considered among the best at their positions in the entire league. And Christian Gonzalez? He’s already helping lead a New England Patriots defense to the Super Bowl and is coming for the throne as potentially the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history. Don’t forget Marcus Mariota, who’s still a reliable backup quarterback for the Washington Commanders. Look around, because you’re gonna find a former Oregon Duck everywhere you look.
So yeah, roster cutdown day confirmed it: these Ducks are absolutely everywhere. As the NFL season kicks off, keep your eyes peeled. Odds are you’re gonna see a former Oregon guy making plays and impacting his team’s success, whether it’s a veteran dominating or one of the new draftees making their mark right out of the gate. It just shows you the caliber of talent coming out of that program year after year!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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