As the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine electrifies Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, the Oregon Ducks football program is enjoying a moment in the national spotlight—both for the dazzling performances of its recent alumni and the growing reputation of head coach Dan Lanning on the recruiting trail. It’s a week that’s seen records tumble, draft stocks soar, and the 'Lanning Factor' become a talking point among the nation’s most sought-after high school talent and their families.
On Friday, former Ducks tight end Kenyon Sadiq etched his name into combine lore by blazing through the 40-yard dash in a jaw-dropping 4.39 seconds. The time set a new combine record for tight ends, shaving a hundredth of a second off the previous mark held by former San Francisco 49ers star Vernon Davis. Sadiq’s feat wasn’t just fast—it was historic, and it sent a ripple of excitement through NFL scouts and coaches in attendance.
But Sadiq wasn’t done. He soared to a vertical jump of 43.5 inches, second only to Vanderbilt’s Eli Stowers, who managed a staggering 45.5. In the broad jump, Sadiq’s 11-foot 1-inch leap again placed him just behind Stowers, who went 11-3. These numbers put Sadiq in rarefied air, and there’s little doubt that his stock as a first-round pick is now firmly cemented. After all, when you break a record that stood for nearly two decades, people take notice.
Not to be outdone, former Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman turned heads with his own athletic showcase. Thieneman clocked a 4.35-second 40-yard dash—good for fourth among safeties at this year’s combine. His 41-inch vertical leap ranked second at his position, and a 10-foot 5-inch broad jump placed him eighth. Thieneman entered combine week projected as a late first-round pick, with some analysts suggesting he could slip into the second round. But after demonstrating elite speed and explosiveness, his first-round credentials look all but locked in.
“Given his size, production and now proven athleticism, Thieneman could have locked himself into the first round,” noted a league scout, echoing the buzz around the stadium on Friday. It’s a testament to the depth of talent Oregon has produced in recent years, and it’s fueling optimism for both the players and the program they left behind.
Elsewhere among Oregon’s NFL hopefuls, linebacker Bryce Boettcher took part in skill drills on Thursday but opted out of testing drills and the bench press on Friday. Safety Jadon Canady was active in field work on Friday but did not participate in testing drills, with defensive backs slated to bench press on Saturday. The Ducks’ pipeline to the professional ranks remains robust, and the weekend promises more action from familiar faces.
Running back Noah Whittington and wide receiver Malik Benson are scheduled to work out on Saturday, while offensive linemen Alex Harkey and Emmanuel Pregnon will showcase their abilities on Sunday. Notably, offensive tackle Isaiah World will miss combine drills after undergoing ACL surgery in January—a setback, but one that hasn’t dimmed hopes for his eventual NFL future.
While Oregon’s stars shine in Indianapolis, the program is also making waves on the recruiting front. According to a recent article by John Canzano, published on February 27, 2026, the 'Lanning Factor' is becoming a decisive element in the Ducks’ pursuit of top-tier high school talent. Canzano’s piece draws from an in-depth conversation with the parent of a five-star recruit—one of the most coveted prospects in the country, still in high school and being courted by elite programs nationwide.
The parent’s perspective was illuminating: “End of the day, this is still a relationship business.” For families navigating the intense world of college football recruiting, the personal touch and genuine connection offered by Dan Lanning have become a distinguishing feature. Lanning’s approach is resonating with recruits and their parents, who see in him not just a coach, but a mentor and advocate for their children’s development on and off the field.
It’s a sentiment that’s gaining traction in recruiting circles. The Ducks are leveraging Lanning’s reputation as a relationship builder to stand out in an increasingly competitive landscape. When the parent of a five-star prospect highlights Lanning’s name as a reason for considering Oregon, it speaks volumes about the culture he’s cultivating in Eugene.
The synergy between on-field success and recruiting momentum is hard to miss. As former Ducks like Sadiq and Thieneman make headlines at the combine, their achievements serve as powerful testimonials for the program’s ability to develop NFL-ready talent. Prospective recruits and their families are watching closely, and the message is clear: Oregon is a place where stars are made, and where relationships matter.
“I spoke to one [parent] for an hour on Thursday. The kid is still in high school. The top football programs in America are chasing him, and Dan Lanning’s name came up,” Canzano wrote, offering a rare glimpse into the decision-making process of elite prospects and the impact that a coach’s reputation can have.
Of course, the work doesn’t stop with the combine or a single recruiting conversation. The Ducks’ coaching staff, led by Lanning, continues to build bridges with recruits and their families, emphasizing a holistic approach that prioritizes academics, personal growth, and athletic development. It’s a formula that’s paying dividends, both in the caliber of athletes choosing Oregon and in the results they’re delivering at the next level.
Looking ahead, the coming days will see more Oregon alumni take center stage in Indianapolis. Whittington, Benson, Harkey, and Pregnon all have opportunities to raise their profiles and bolster their draft stocks. For fans and scouts alike, it’s a chance to see just how deep the Ducks’ talent pool runs.
Meanwhile, in Eugene and across the college football landscape, the conversation around the 'Lanning Factor' will only grow louder. As Oregon’s presence at the combine underscores its status as a pipeline to the NFL, the program’s focus on relationships and player development is winning over a new generation of talent—and their families.
With the combine action ongoing and recruiting battles heating up, the Oregon Ducks find themselves at the heart of the football world’s attention. Whether it’s through record-breaking performances or the power of personal connection, Oregon is making its mark—and the best may be yet to come.