In a notable show of support for the University of Oregon football program, Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert and Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix were in attendance at the Oregon Ducks' Pro Day held on March 18, 2025, in Eugene. The event featured a collective of 23 hopefuls, including Patrick Herbert, Justin's brother, and Tez Johnson, Bo's brother, both of whom are aiming to secure their spot in the upcoming NFL Draft.
This gathering was particularly significant, offering a final opportunity for players to enhance their draft prospects ahead of the highly anticipated 2025 NFL Draft. The presence of two starting NFL quarterbacks at a college Pro Day further emphasizes Oregon's growing reputation as a breeding ground for elite football talent, potentially leading to the nickname “Quarterback University.”
Notably, Patrick Herbert had an impressive college career at Oregon, playing in all 14 games during the 2024 season, during which he made six starts at tight end. He accumulated 10 receptions for 97 yards, showcasing his potential as he enters the NFL Draft process. On the other hand, Tez Johnson's recent performances have garnered significant attention. At the NFL Combine, he recorded a 4.51-second 40-yard dash, placing him 27th among all wide receivers. Weighing in at 154 pounds, he was the lightest player at the Combine, inciting a range of opinions from analysts about his size. However, Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons took to social media to defend Johnson, stating, "Don't get caught up on numbers!! Man plays like he's run a 4.3 tape will teach you that!!"
The Oregon Ducks football program has seen a remarkable increase in its draft prospects over recent years. In 2024, a program-record 12 players received invitations to the NFL Combine, outperforming the previous record of seven. Eight Ducks were selected during the 2024 NFL Draft, marking another program milestone. Current mock drafts suggest that 10 to 11 Ducks could be chosen in the upcoming draft, indicating an upward trajectory for the program.
Oregon head coach Dan Lanning expressed his gratitude towards the players participating in Pro Day while highlighting their potential to ascend in the draft. "We're so grateful for the time that they gave us," Lanning told Duck Insider. He further commented, "Unbelievable humans that are also great football players, that some NFL team is going to be really lucky to have." This showcases the high expectations for the players who participated.
On the field, Justin Herbert had a standout season in 2024 as he led the Chargers to an 11-7 record. He finished the season with 3,870 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, and only three interceptions while also adding two rushing touchdowns. Herbert's performance solidified his role as one of the league's top quarterbacks.
Bo Nix also had an impressive season with the Broncos, leading the team to its first playoff appearance since their 2015 Super Bowl 50 victory. He is considered a candidate for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year after rounding off the 2024 season with 3,775 passing yards, 29 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.
The excitement surrounding the Oregon Ducks program has never been higher, with fans and analysts alike focusing on its potential draft class. Former Oregon offensive lineman Josh Conerly Jr. and defensive lineman Derrick Harmon are projected as first-round picks. Recent trends indicate that the program's success could translate into NFL opportunities for many of its players.
As the college football world turns its attention to the NFL Draft, the presence of former Oregon stars Herbert and Nix at the Pro Day not only inspires the current cohort of players but also highlights Oregon's growing legacy in the professional football landscape. With the hard work of the teams and the evident talent in this year’s draft class, the Ducks are poised for an exciting future.
This prevailing optimism surrounding Oregon's football talent raises the question: how many players will hear their names called during the NFL Draft, and will Patrick Herbert and Tez Johnson join their celebrated siblings in the professional ranks? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: the Ducks are on the rise.
