Unfortunately, the Oregon secondary lost another star player when the Ducks' starting safety Kobe Savage declared for the 2025 NFL Draft on Monday, Jan. 27. This came after the team released a video short of offseason practices in which fans could see Savage sitting front and center.
Savage, who played six seasons of collegiate football was still eligible to return after the NCAA ruled that JUCO players could play an additional season of NCAA-level football. Many hoped that Savage would take advantage of the ruling and return to Oregon for one last season.
However, despite the ability to play a seventh season in college, Savage declared for the Draft, becoming the fifteenth Duck to enter his name in the hat.
Thank You God pic.twitter.com/RB3bM6hYKF
— Savage (@KobeSavage) January 28, 2025
Throughout his one season with the Ducks, Savage became a star for the Oregon secondary alongside players like fellow defensive back and transfer Jabbar Muhammad.
Kobe Savage 2024 stats
- 65 total tackles
- 35 solo tackles
- 29 assisted tackles
- 1 pass deflection
Savage transferred to Oregon after playing for the Kansas State Wildcats for two seasons. Coming out of his JUCO program, Tyler Junior College, he was a three-star prospect and when Savage transferred to play for the Ducks, he was once again a three-star prospect.
The Oregon video team released the preview of a few Oregon football workouts after the first week of postseason practices. In certain clips, the team was in their lecture-style meeting room and Savage was right up front, as Oregon beat writer James Crepea pointed out on X (formerly Twitter).
Safety Kobe Savage sitting in front row, appears he’s returning for year 7 as former juco player. Running back Noah Whittington and receiver Gary Bryant Jr. have been photographed at workouts. https://t.co/zLrWS2mekb
— James Crepea (@JamesCrepea) January 27, 2025
Despite the brief moment of hope, Savage is in fact headed to the next level as he hopes to hear his name called during the Draft. The 2025 NFL Draft is set to take place from April 24 through April 26.