Tight end U. has been home to Terrance Ferguson, Kenyon Sadiq and Jacob Breeland, but there was a little concern among Duck fans after Sadiq announced a move to the NFL, followed by the departures of Zach Grace, Roger Saleapaga and Vander Ploog via the Transfer Portal.
The Ducks struck back Saturday morning when Clemson tight end Markus Dixon, 6-4, 265, committed to the program from the portal, a three-star prospect in the class of 2023.
Dixon has good size and a notable catch radius but not extensive playing time. With the Tigers he played 47 snaps in 15 games over three seasons, logging practice time at tight end for the first two, at defensive end last year.
From Archbishop Wood High School in Warminister, Pennsylvania, the same high school as Florida and NFL first-rounder Kyle Pitts, Dixon was All-Catholic League as a senior, also a basketball player as a prep. He gained 35 pounds of muscle at Clemson.
He's been a blocking tight end and a practice player so far, but as Dan Lanning says, there's strength in numbers. New offensive coordinator Drew Mehringer has a deft eye for big receiver talent, having brought Sadiq, Jamari Johnson and Kendre Harrison to the program.
Crib🦆 AGTG🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/qgG5L2T2Eu
— Marky ♛ (@markus1dixon) January 17, 2026
College football's new era requires decisiveness and flexibility
Dixon joins cornerback Aaron Scott from Ohio State, who also joined the program today. With some decisive moves, the Ducks are getting their numbers back. Several defensive linemen are also visiting this weekend.
Dixon's versatility also adds value-- in an era where depth will be scarce and players are spreading out all across football in search of immediate playing time, a good body type with experience on both sides of the line becomes a vital resource. Teams will have to make adaptations in November and December.