NFL Draft 2026 signals new era in Oregon program

For the second year in a row and the fifth time since the draft started in 1936, the University of Oregon has had two players selected in the first round. Tight end Kenyon Sadiq and safety Dillon Thieneman are now NFL millionaires, or will be as soon as they sign their contracts.

In all eight Ducks are likely to be taken this year after a record ten were drafted in 2025. Friday night Emmanuel Pregnon went 88th to Jacksonville in the third. Saturday during the Spring Game rounds 4-7 take place, with Bryce Boettcher, Jadon Canady, Alex Harkey, Isaiah World and Malik Benson expected to be called, with Noah Whittington in line to land a free agent deal.

The number would be much higher if Dante Moore, A'Maui Washington, Matayo Uiagalelei and Evan Stewart hadn't opted to return for the 2026 season at Oregon. The Ducks could have an insane number of first rounders in 2027, with Moore, Washington, Stewart, Jamari Johnson, Uiagalelei, Teitum Tuioti, Bear Alexander, Koi Perich and Poncho Laloulu all having the talent to play their way into the first round with a spectacular final college season.

In the West, Oregon is the development school for the NFL

Under Lanning, Oregon has established itself as a program where elite athletes go to be developed. The powerful combination of coaching, facilities, culture and competition has made "The Progrum" a landing spot for athletes who embrace the growth mindset, who come to Eugene not only to showcase their talents but to become the best version of themselves.

There's a moment in this week's spring practice highlight tape where Brandon Finney comes up to Evan Stewart after practice and asks him if they can work on releases together. Two of the best athletes in college football getting extra work, one against the other.

This is "iron sharpens iron" at the highest level. No one assigned the two to this extra training. They took it upon themselves, a couple of five stars and Freshman All-Americans. This week the Ducks got commitments from the No. 1 quarterback in the 2027 class, Will Mencl and a top safety from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Semaj Stanford.

Elite athletes see what's happening in the Lanning system, how every element of his system helps them to achieve their potential, individually and as a team. Part of the reason is the Oregon coaches and staff don't chase stars, they identify traits, starting with competiveness, a love of football and a desire to be great.

At today's Spring Game Duck fans will witness further evidence of how that vision is coming together. The body types, the drive and the energy are a breed apart.

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