Former Oregon Ducks we wish could still opt-in to EA Sports CFB
Marcus Mariota was one of the last great Ducks to be featured in EA Sports' College Football game. Over the past 10 years, which Oregon players would have been great to play as?
By Sam Fariss
More than 10,000 college football players have opted into an NIL deal with EA Sports so that their name and image will be featured in the College Football 25 video game.
It has been a decade since EA Sports released the game and many collegiate stars have missed their chance at being in the game. Some of the last Oregon Ducks to be a part of the game were Marcus Mariota, Arik Armstead, De'Anthony Thomas, and Devon Allen.
Sadly, many Duck heroes didn't get their chance to be in the game due to the 10-year gap. Which Oregon legends would have been great additions to the game had they gotten a chance to opt-in.
Justin Herbert
Oregon's hometown hero was also one of the best quarterbacks in college while he was playing for the Ducks.
Being able to have Herbert as the starting quarterback for your team would add his ridiculous arm strength for receiving routes as well as his surprisingly good running abilities despite his large frame.
Selected sixth overall in the 2020 NFL Draft, Herbert had thrown a career completion rate of 64 percent for 95 touchdowns and a passing QBR of 153.1. On the ground, Herbert had an additional 560 yards for 13 touchdowns over his four years for the Ducks.
Penei Sewell
Getting to play as this offensive juggernaut would probably be the most fun one could have with the entire game.
Sewell was an unstoppable force while playing with the Ducks and took down defender after defender for Oregon. His freshman and sophomore seasons even saw two defensive tackles.
The Detroit Lions drafted Sewell seventh overall in 2021 and his offensive prowess has continued to shine. He had been a 2019 Consensus All-American and the winner of the 2019 John Outland Trophy for the best interior lineman in the nation.
Troy Dye
If EA Sports included Troy Dye's wrapped up club hand in the game, it would not only be hilarious, it would also be about as fun as possible.
Being able to thwart offenses and take down endless quarterbacks as this Duck linebacker would be a great selection for a gamer's defense. Dye is the only player in Oregon history to lead the team in tackles over four-straight season.
Finishing his collegiate career in 2020, Dye had amassed 397 tackles, 15 sacks, and five interceptions.
Bo Nix
After transferring to Oregon from Auburn, Bo Nix took the college football scene by storm. With the highest-ever career completion percentage for an NCAA DI quarterback, Nix would have to be one of the highest graded players in the game.
His dual threat style of play would make him a great quarterback for anyone's team, even if he wasn't surrounded by elite receivers.
Over his two years at Oregon, Nix had 20 rushing touchdowns, 74 passing touchdowns, and an additional receiving touchdown.
Troy Franklin
The unbeatable combination of Nix and receiver Troy Franklin on the field would lead to a bounty of sure wins in the EA Sports game.
A part of Oregon's top-ten record list, Franklin has the sure hands and lightning-quick speed that any game would look for in their receiving core.
Franklin had 2,483 yards and 25 touchdowns through the air. He averaged an incredible 15.5 yards per catch and 62.1 yards per game.
Kayvon Thibodeaux
One of the greatest defensive ends to play college ball this century, Thibodeaux was a tank for the Oregon Ducks. At 6-foot-5 and 258 pounds, he may not have been the biggest player on the field but his speed and strength combined to make him an elite athlete.
Thibodeaux played in just 32 games for the Ducks. Over his short collegiate career, he ravaged offenses bringing down 122 tackles and 19 sacks.
The Duck blocked on field goal attempt, broke up seven passes, and forced three fumbles. Thibodeaux was drafted in the first round by the New York Giants as a unanimous All-American for Oregon.
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