Bucky Irving and Bo Nix are making waves in the NFL and look good for OROY
By Sam Fariss
While the Oregon Ducks are reigning supreme in college football, a few former Ducks are making their presence known at the next level. Former Oregon quarterback Bo Nix and running back Bucky Irving are excelling in the NFL during their rookie years.
Both Ducks even entered the conversation for Offensive Rookie of the Year as they led their teams to unexpected victories and an overall winning record so far.
Nix, who was the sixth overall quarterback taken in the 2024 NFL Draft, stormed to the front of the rookie standings. Compared to fellow starting rookie QBs, Nix has the most games with 200 or more passing yards, 2 or more passing touchdowns, and 0 interceptions.
Through his first 12 games in the league, Nix amassed 259 completions for 2,548 yards and 16 touchdowns through the air – with only 6 interceptions to his name. He has run for 300 yards on just 64 carries for 4 additional touchdowns.
Meanwhile, Irving has been storming past teams for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Most recently, Irving had a career game against the New York Giants, both on the ground and through the air.
Irving earned 87 yards and 1 touchdown on 12 carries, including a 57-yard breakaway. He also had 6 catches on 6 targets for an additional 64 yards through the air – an elite performance by any running back much less a rookie.
So far this season, Irving has already earned 579 yards and 5 touchdowns on the ground. While he has yet to score a touchdown through the air, he has earned an additional 252 yards on receptions – catching 32 of 34 targets so far this season.
The pair of Ducks went overlooked and underrated as the 2024 season approached. However, both former Oregon stars have silenced any doubters and each have a great case to win the Offensive Rookie of the Year.