The Oregon Ducks football program is gearing up for what promises to be an impactful 2025 season. Amidst the aftermath of their 42-21 loss to Ohio State in the Rose Bowl, the Ducks are not only reflecting on their performance but also preparing for significant roster changes. This includes the potential addition of talented prospects and transfers to reshape their lineup for the upcoming season.
One of the most notable developments is the planned visit of Malik Benson, the former JUCO No. 1 overall prospect. Confirmed by multiple sources, Benson, who previously played at Florida State, is making his way to Eugene for this weekend. Standing at 6-foot-1, Benson showcased moderate success during his stints at both Florida State and Alabama, managing 25 receptions for 311 yards and one touchdown at Florida State this past season, alongside 13 catches for 162 yards and another touchdown during his time at Alabama. The lower production levels he experienced at Florida State have been attributed to poor quarterback performance, but his arrival at Oregon could signal a resurgence as he benefits from higher-quality talent around him.
Benson's entry follows his decision to enter the NCAA transfer portal on December 23rd, after the NCAA allowed non-NCAA school athletes to maintain eligibility. He has one year of eligibility remaining, which he is likely to utilize at Oregon if all goes well during his visit.
Meanwhile, the Ducks are dealing with the tougher news of losing 5-star true freshman quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, who recently announced his intention to enter the transfer portal. After flipping his commitment from the California Golden Bears, Sagapolutele joined Oregon's highly ranked recruiting class with aspirations of competing for the starting quarterback position. Unfortunately, realizing the competitive environment with the presence of quarterback Dante Moore has led him to reconsider his options after just under a month with the team.
This development is particularly disheartening for Oregon fans, especially coming on the heels of their disappointing performance against Ohio State, where their dreams of the championship fell short. Yet, even with Sagapolutele's departure, there remains optimism surrounding Moore, who is positioned to lead the Ducks forward as they strive to improve after their recent playoff experience.
During the Rose Bowl, Oregon faced significant challenges, primarily due to Ohio State's dominant performance. The Ducks fell behind quickly and struggled to regain their footing, unable to mitigate the offensive and defensive strategies employed by the Buckeyes. Pro Football Focus (PFF) evaluated this game, producing assignment grades for all participating skill position players, which could be telling as Oregon strategizes for the future.
After the defeat, disappointed players like defensive back Kobe Savage expressed the shock of being outmatched early on. “They came out and punched us in the mouth. We tried to make adjustments but it was definitely different,” he remarked. Oregon’s defense struggled against Ohio State’s expansive playbook, allowing the Buckeyes to score on six of their first seven drives, leading to overwhelming pressure on quarterback Dillon Gabriel, who was sacked eight times.
Gabriel himself noted the breakdowns and miscommunication within the Oregon secondary, reflecting on how Ohio State capitalized at pivotal moments. The team's inability to convert on third down during the game compounded their troubles, limiting their offensive opportunities and crippling their chances at making any comebacks.
With the departure of many key players, including Gabriel and potentially others, the Ducks will be focused on replenishing their roster. Despite the disappointments, Savage emphasized the foundation laid down by the senior players. “The seniors set a great standard this season just to show how tough you can be,” he stated, indicating optimism for the younger players stepping forward to fill the gaps left by the outgoing talents.
The Ducks have much to contend with as they navigate their path forward, especially considering the competitive nature of college football and the pressures inherent from shifting conferences. They must adapt quickly and effectively as they prepare to compete at the highest levels within the Big Ten.
Looking toward their future recruitment strategies, the visit from Benson could prove pivotal. With the potential to secure highly skilled players who can make immediate impacts, Oregon’s coaching staff will be eager to showcase the advantages of joining their program.
With each passing day, the Ducks inch closer to defining their identity for the 2025 season amid these transitions. The blending of new talents, overcoming the effects of recent losses, and demonstrating resolve to rise again could shape Oregon’s narrative significantly as they move forward. Excitement surrounds the possibilities as the Ducks work to construct their roster for success.