Dan Lanning has never lost a starter to the Transfer Portal, but it's inevitable when a team that has stacked recruiting classes like Oregon has that some players will look for a new opportunity to move up the depth chart and play.
The portal doesn't open until January 2nd, but Wednesday reserve defensive back Solomon Davis announced his intentions to enter and seek a transfer.
Davis is a 6-0, 197 redshirt sophomore from Charter Oak High School in Fontana, California, originally a three-star recruit in the class of 2023. He wore No. 15 for the Ducks, appearing in 24 games over the last two seasons, primarily on special teams.
He was third on the depth chart at the STAR position, though all but one of his snaps last season came on coverage teams. Since committing on Early Signing Day in December 2022, he's been passed on the depth chart by a series of highly rated and talented defensive backs, including Ole Miss transfer Jadon Canaday, who has been lights out as the starter at the position.
The impact on Oregon's playoff run will be minimal. New defensive coordinator Chris Hampton steadfastly cross trains his unit in the spring and fall camp. Kingston Lopa, Theran Johnson, Peyton Woodyard and Na'eem Offord all understand the responsibilities of the STAR and how to cover and force the run.
In April Hampton said, "In the spring, fall camp, we do green, yellow. There's no depth chart. It's just all about PG, personal growth and guys learning how to play multiple positions, and we want them to understand the scheme."
"So I may move them, and I may challenge them. One day you're at the corner, and the next, you're at STAR. Okay? This rep, you're at STAR, and in four plays, you're going to safety. I expect you to know it because it may happen like that in the game."
Davis joins Jahlil Florence in declaring his intention to enter the portal. Florence left the team in November. The attrition at defensive back is not unexpected, particularly since the team added Jett Washington, Davon Benjamin, Xavier Lherisse, Devin Jackson, Azel Banag and Trevon Watson during the Early Signing Period for 2026.
In November, defensive back Dakoda Fields left the team with the intention to transfer after appearing in three games during his career at UO.
Offord, Aaron Flowers, Woodyard, Lopa, and cornerback Brandon Finney and Ify Obidegwu are slated to return next year from a secondary that ranks No. 4 in the country in defensive passing efficiency, limiting opponents to 51.7 percent completions and 144 yards per game. Trey McNutt continues his rehab from a leg injury.