Former Oregon Ducks lead the charge in securing NFL playoff spots

Despite programs like Alabama and Georgia earning the most spots in the NFL by a former collegiate team, it was none other than the Oregon Ducks highlighting the final Sunday of the regular season. From Heisman-winning quarterback Marcus Mariota to breakout star running back Bucky Irving, the Ducks were the talk of the NFL as they secured their teams' spots in the playoffs.

Marcus Mariota, who devastatingly became a career backup quarterback after a few seasons with the Tennessee Titans, stood in place of rookie phenom Jayden Daniels on Sunday as he and the Washington Commanders took down the Dallas Cowboys.

Mariota finished the day with 15 completed passes on just 18 attempts, 161 passing yards, 2 passing touchdowns, 56 rushing yards, and 1 rushing touchdown.

While Bo Nix didn't win the Heisman Trophy while playing for the Ducks, despite being a finalist in 2023, he did become an Oregon legend during his two seasons for Dan Lanning. On Sunday, he further proved what makes him such an extraordinary player.

Nix not only led the Denver Broncos to a win but he led them to their first playoff bid since 2015 and became the first rookie quarterback to do so since the legendary John Elway. On Sunday, he completed 26 of 29 pass attempts for a resounding 368 passing yards and 4 total touchdowns as he and the Broncos defeated the Kansas City Chiefs.

Fellow rookie and former Oregon teammate to Nix, running back Bucky Irving had yet another career day as he and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers battled for the NFC South title.

Irving led the Bucs' rushing efforts with 19 carries, 89 yards, and 1 touchdown on the ground. Throughout the season, the former Duck running back became a star in the league and earned 1,122 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns as a rookie.

Last but certainly not least, the beloved hometown hero of Eugene, Justin Herbert, led the Los Angeles Chargers to a spot in the playoffs under first-year head coach Jim Harbaugh. Not only did Herbert finish the season with just three interceptions on 504 pass attempts but he earned game ball after game ball as he rallied LA's offensive charge weekly.

On Sunday, Herbert earned 346 passing yards on 28 completions for 2 touchdowns. The dual-threat quarterback, who largely goes overlooked in that regard because of his size, also had a jaw-dropping 42-yard rush during the Chargers' 34-20 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders.

The first round of the NFL Playoffs is set to kick off on Saturday, Jan. 11 at 1:30 p.m. PT with Herbert and the Chargers facing the Houston Texans.

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