Last year, the Oregon Ducks experienced one of their most triumphant seasons ever, finishing with an impressive 13-1 record, clinching the Big Ten Championship, and securing the coveted No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff. As we move into 2025, the Ducks are eager to replicate—or even surpass—those achievements. This season, however, they’ll be doing it with a near-complete overhaul of their roster.
Since Dan Lanning took over in Eugene, he has been recruiting with remarkable success. The real test in 2025 will be how well this new talent is integrated and developed. The seasoned players who’ve played crucial roles in the past are heading to the NFL, and now it’s time for the new wave of blue-chip athletes, meticulously selected by Lanning and his team, to shine.
Stars from the offense, like Dillon Gabriel, Tez Johnson, and Jordan James, alongside defensive key players such as Jeffrey Bassa and Jordan Burch, are departing. Replacing them is no small task, and it’s the pressing question facing Eugene. While we have some projections for both the offensive and defensive line-ups, the upcoming practices will be crucial in determining the final roster. As we gear up for Oregon’s spring game, let’s delve into the team’s configuration, position by position.
While we’ve already covered the offense and a large part of the defense, today, our focus shifts to the cornerbacks in the secondary.
There’s quite a shuffle happening at this position. With the likes of Jabbar Muhammad, Dontae Manning, and Nikko Reed graduating, space has opened up for promising young talent and experienced players to make their mark.
Let’s lay out the current scenario: who’s new, who has moved on, and who will be a cornerstone in the CB lineup for the spring.
Departing Players
Jabbar Muhammad
Career Stats: 60 games, 159 tackles, 8 TFLs, 4 INTs, 40 PBUs, 1 FF, 1 FR
Muhammad, the top talent in their cornerback division, is set to leave the Ducks this offseason. He spent just one season with Oregon after playing for Washington and Oklahoma State. Though a solid performer, his size was sometimes a hindrance. With the NFL draft approaching, scouts are sure to take note of his abilities, making him a difficult void to fill.
Dontae Manning
Career Stats: 54 games, 80 tackles, 1 TFL, 2 INTs, 14 PBUs
After five years at Oregon, Manning is leaving as well. Initially one of the highest-rated recruits, he didn’t rise to be one of college football’s leading cornerbacks but still had a respectable career, which should pique the NFL’s interest.
Nikko Reed
Career Stats: 49 games, 115 tackles, 9 TFLs, 2 sacks, 5 INTs, 22 PBUs
Reed’s departure marks another significant change in the Ducks’ secondary. His college career began with the Colorado Buffaloes, but he’s out of eligibility post the 2024 season. Expect to see him on draft boards.
Kam Alexander
Career Stats: 45 games, 82 tackles, 1 sack, 6 INTs, 28 PBUs
Unlike the others, Alexander saw limited game time with Oregon after transferring from UTSA post-2023. His brief stint might impact his prospects at the next level.
Returning Players
Jahlil Florence
Career Stats: 19 games, 35 tackles, 3 TFLs, 1 sack, 2 INTs, 1 PBU, 1 FF
Florence, previously playing opposite Khyree Jackson, had an excellent season. Despite being sidelined due to injury this year, he is poised for a comeback at full strength.
Sione Laulea
Career Stats: 4 games, 3 tackles, 1 INT
Laulea, a top junior college recruit, showed flashes of brilliance, such as during his game against Illinois. With his height (6’4"), he has potential for substantial impact next season.
Rodrick Pleasant
Career Stats: 11 games, 5 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 PBU, 1 FF
After redshirting the current season, Pleasant will be ready for more action. Known for his speed, he is expected to see more playtime or possibly a starting role next season.
Ify Obidegwu
Career Stats: None
Highly regarded as part of Oregon’s 2024 recruiting class, Obidegwu is now seasoned to take on challenges after acclimating to the system.
Dakoda Fields
Career Stats: None
Fields brings over a year’s experience already, which should help him ascend within the program.
Incoming Players
Theran Johnson (Northwestern)
Career Stats: 37 games, 103 tackles, 6 TFLs, 3 INTs, 1 Pick Six, 18 PBUs
Johnson, a transfer from Northwestern, brings with him the best season of his college career, including notable stats that are a promising addition to Oregon.
Na’eem Offord (Recruit)
247Sports Recruiting Profile: 5-star, No. 3 CB, No. 13 Overall Recruit
Offord’s switch from Ohio State to Oregon sent waves across the college football landscape. Already known for attracting top recruits, Dan Lanning landed a gem in Offord.
Brandon Finney (Recruit)
247Sports Recruiting Profile: 4-star, No. 6 CB, No. 40 Overall Recruit
Though his ranking slipped, Finney’s talent remains undeniable. He represents a strong future for Oregon’s CB roster.
Dorian Brew (Recruit)
247Sports Recruiting Profile: 4-star, No. 9 CB, No. 64 Overall Recruit
Brew, already enrolled, offers an advantage as he gets firsthand experience with the team before the next season kicks off.
Projected Starters
- Field Cornerback: Jahlil Florence
- Boundary Cornerback: Theran Johnson
Overall Position Outlook
Looking at the coming season, Oregon’s cornerbacks are set for a potentially outstanding campaign, yet they’re out to demonstrate just how far they’ve come. The previous defeat to Ohio State highlighted the need for strategic enhancements, especially given the noticeable size disparity in matchups.
Height proved to be a decisive factor, with the likes of Jeremiah Smith towering over Oregon’s defenders. However, this is an area where the Ducks have actively sought improvement by bringing on board towering talents like Florence, Laulea, Johnson, and Offord—all of whom exceed the six-foot mark and pack speed to complement it.
Size was not the sole advantage Ohio State capitalized on, yet enhancing physical attributes is a progressive move. With a variety of seasoned and budding stars, filling the depth chart might initially appear complex, but the final setup is anticipated to be both efficient and exciting.
