Fans express frustration over Seaton drama, but Oregon not standing pat

The first smart thing that Oregon did was invest in the trenches. They knew the portal and NIL/revenue sharing would bring chaos, and in their long-range planning for 2026 they re-signed all four senior starters on the defensive line, while retaining all but one of their young offensive linemen.

In all 30 players left the Ducks. That's the nature of the business. But Iapani Laloulu, Dave Iuli, Gernorris Wilson, Trent Ferguson, Zac Stascausky, Douglas Utu, Devin Brooks, Kawika Rogers, Bryce Boulton, Demetri Manning, Fox Crader and Ziyare Addison all stayed with the team. Immanuel Iheanacho, Tommy Tofi and Koloi Keli are on their way.

On the offensive line, Only Lipe Moala left via the portal. The Ducks replaced that scholarship with Michael Bennett III, the 6-6, 310 transfer from Yale with 28 career starts, twice All-Ivy league, a right tackle who committed just one penalty in 2025 while allowing just two sacks and five pressures all season, a sound fundamental player and smart.

The Seaton drama has gotten exhausting. One LSU fan posted a funny reaction to the whole saga.

It's a little like that for everyone. Though no doubt it would be a tremendous boost to add a left tackle with 34-inch-long arms and an 82-inch wingspan with 21 career starts, A'lique Terry can craft a capable offensive line with the guys he has, built the old-fashioned way, through high school recruiting.

With the money Seaton is commanding, Oregon could sign five top high school players

At the same time the Oregon staff hasn't stood pat, waiting around for the Seaton entourage to weigh the offers and reach a decision. The coaches got busy this week touring the country and making offers, stopping by to connect with some of the top offensive line prospects in the country.

While coaches around college football are lost in a herd mentality, trying to duplicate Curt Cignetti's grown-man theory of player development and roster selection, the Ducks seem to recognize that the value play now is to scout, select and develop the core of the roster from high school.

They made their pitch to Seaton, then they went back to work. Tuesday defensive line coach Tony Tuioti visited Marcus Fakatou, a 6-7, 285 defensive end from Orange Lutheran High School in Southern California.

Committed since last June, four-star edge Cameron Pritchett visits on January 31st.

On Wednesday Dan Lanning and Terry flew to California, making a home visit to Lex Mailangi, the 6-3, 330 offensive lineman from Mater Dei, another 2027 prospect. From Santa Ana, California, Mailangi is a two-year starter at left guard for the Monarchs, a MaxPreps Sophomore All-American in 2024.

While in California the Ducks made an offer to 2027 Temecula quarterback Dane Weber, 6-2, 210 from Chapparal High School. As a sophomore starter in 2024 Weber completed 67 percent of his passes for 2,660 yards and 27 touchdowns with just three interceptions. As a junior he upped his production to 3,645 yards, 41 touchdowns, 9 interceptions, 70 percent completions.

Another key target the Ducks are focused on is 2027 five-star offensive lineman Ishmael "The Protector" Camara from Gilmer, Texas, 6-6, 340. Camara is uncommonly agile as well as massive; he's been clocked on the GPS at 18.6 mph.

Four Oregon coaches visited Sierra Canyon defensive lineman Kasi Currie, a two-way player who's vying for five-star status as the No. 43 recruit in the nation. Currie is an athlete at 6-5, 315.

Oregon had 24 starts by true freshmen in 2025. While so many programs seem obsessed with the portal and chasing high-profile transfers, the Ducks are taking a balanced approach, looking for talent and value with relentless energy. Scheduled to visit this weekend are four-star offensive linemen Jackson Roper and Cameron Wagner, three-star Avery Michael among over three dozen prospects over the next two weekends.

They're investing in the future with a multi-track approach, though goals remain high for this season, whether Seaton comes or not.