Major twist in Jordan Seaton chase renews hope for Oregon fans

Five-star, two-year starter and top-rated pass-blocking left tackle Jordan Seaton left LSU without signing, so Tuesday night Dan Lanning and offensive line coach A'lique Terry flew to Atlanta to meet him and continue their pursuit of the No. 1 left tackle in the Transfer Portal.

Lane Kiffin and the Tigers have already gained commitments from Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavit, USC quarterback Husan Longstreet and edge rusher Princewill Umanmielen, who Kiffin poached from the roster of Ole Miss, his last coaching stop.

In all the Tigers boast 39 incoming transfers, but Seaton is the biggest remaining prize in college football. Analysts expect the final bid to exceed $3 million with Oregon, LSU and Miami still in the running.

Seaton posted a photo of himself with the two Oregon coaches Tuesday evening.

While the recruiting battle for the 6-5, 330 Seaton is ongoing, finding a way to meet him face-to-face and make a presentation indicates how relentless Dan Lanning and his staff are willing to be to compete for the last piece needed to win a national title in 2026.

Seaton posted a PFF pass-blocking grade of 91.4 as a sophomore at Colorado. As a true freshman In 2024 he allowed three sacks in 612 pass snaps with Shedeur Sanders at quarterback. All Big-12 second team in 2025, he allowed one sack, zero quarterback hits and a total of five pressures in nine games, missing the last three with injury.

Seaton's presence could mean everything for the Oregon offense

The big left tackle from IMG Academy in Orlando, originally from Washington D.C., would solidify the Oregon offensive line, a dependable, wide, agile athlete at Dante Moore's blindside. With him, the Duck offense can take maximum advantage of a load of talent at receiver and tight end, stretching the field while featuring an explosive pass attack.

Better protection ramps up the potential of Oregon's offense and their first-round draft pick at quarterback. The other vital element is Moore himself, improving his recognition and response when the pocket breaks down. He's got to improve his awareness and ability to feel the pass rush, standing in there to find his targets breaking open and deliver the football.

Seaton at his backside would make all the difference. It guarantees him that extra split-second while allowing Oregon's young offensive linemen more time to grow. Moore with time and confidence in his protection is the most potent weapon in college football, particularly when throwing to Evan Stewart, Dakorien Moore, Jeremiah McClellan, Jalen Lott, Gatlin Bair, Iverson Hooks and Jamari Johnson.

There's a reason why the NFL pays the best left tackles $25 million a season. After the quarterback, it's the most important position on the offensive side of the ball. Seaton is the last premium left tackle prospect left in the portal, the linchpin in a frenzied bidding war that could shift the national championship chase.

Choosing Oregon could be a difference-maker for him as well. The Ducks' last two left tackles, Penei Sewell and Josh Conerly, went in the first round of the draft while this season's three-star reclamation project Isaiah World is projected for the first two rounds despite glitches in his game tape.

Terry excels at development. Guard Emmanuel Pregnon could go in the first round, a transfer in 2025 from USC.