Re-Ranking All 16 Oregon Transfers After 3 Games: Hits, Misses, and Surprises

The Oregon Ducks are through the first quarter of the season as the trio of non-conference games is in the books. Through 3 games, the overall review of Oregon would be that the Ducks have underwhelmed given the high expectations placed on this team coming into the season. With three games under this team's belt, the group can start to improve, and Saturday Night's game against USC would be the perfect place to start.

One of the biggest reasons Oregon may be off to a slow start is the fact that the Ducks didn't go all-in via the Transfer Portal, opting to bank on returning talent and younger pieces to step up. The Transfers the Ducks did add this offseason have delivered mixed performances, but there's still plenty of time for the group to step up.

Re-Ranking every Oregon Transfer Portal addition through 3 games

Incomplete/Serving their role

The Ducks added some pieces who weren't going to play unless it was the worst case scenario, so their lack of production or playing time shouldn't come as a surprise. If injuries start to pile up, these players may start to enter the picture, but for now they aren't needed.

16. Keaton Emmett - Kicker

Looking to replace Atticus Sappington, Oregon added Western Oregon transfer Keaton Emmett to create a kicking battle. Gage Hurych won the battle, and he's been a perfect 3-3 on field goals while making all 14 extra points. With Rocco Graziano making his 6 extra point attempts, Emmett being the 3rd string kicker isn't a miss; the Ducks will kick themselves over.

15 + 14. Derrick Brown Jr and Jerome Simmons- Defensive Tackle

With Bear Alexander and A'Mauri Washington back in the fold, Oregon just needed to stack depth behind the duo. Derrick Brown Jr. and Jerome Simmons haven't made an impact for the Ducks, but with the elite duo topping the depth chart, it's not a surprise.

13. Bleu Dantzler - Edge Rusher

Oregon brought in Oregon State transfer Bleu Dantzler with the plan of him to be a long-term addition. Thus far, Bleu Dantzler hasn't made an impact for the Ducks, but it shouldn't come as a surprise, especially with Matayo Uiagalelei, Teitum Tuioti, and Nasir Wyatt rotating in as a highly talented trio.

The players passed up by younger players

12. Simeon Price - Running Back

Jordon Davison and Dierre Hill Jr. returning for this season set the two top running back roles, but depth at the position is always needed. Thus far, Colorado transfer Simeon Price hasn't dressed for a game, as Da'Juan Riggs, Brandon Smith, and Tradarian Ball all appear to be ahead of him on the depth chart.

11. Markus Dixon - Tight End

Oregon deployed a ton of two tight end stats last season, and with Kenyon Sadiq off to the NFL, the Ducks added Clemson transfer Markus Dixon. Thus far, Dixon has struggled to find a role in the offense, in part because Andrew Olesh and Kendre Harrison have been awesome in limited playing time.

10. Aaron Scott Jr - Cornerback

Needing to plug some holes in the secondary, Oregon went out and added Ohio State cornerback Aaron Scott Jr. While Scott was regarded as one of the higher ranked additions for the Ducks, he hasn't landed a role in the defense as some of the younger players like Na'eem Offord have stepped into starting roles.

The additions who need to step up

9. Iverson Hooks - Wide Receiver

Iverson Hooks was expected to play a massive role in the offense, especially as the lone Ducks' wide receiver to be named to the Preseason Biletnikoff Watchlist. While Hooks has dealt with injury, he was healthy enough to play in the Portland State game, and freshmen still played before him. Hooks is going to be emerge as a threat the rest of the way, especially with Jeremiah McClellan dealing with injury if this offense is going to fully click.

8. Michael Bennett - Offensive Line

The coaching staff saw all the turnover on the offensive line coming, and still opted to bring just one veteran in via the Transfer Portal. After starting at tackle for Yale, Bennett started the season opener at guard and has quickly been knocked out of the starting unit. The rest of the way, Bennett is going to be a depth piece, and if this line suffers injuries, he's going to need to play much better than he did to start the year.

7. Carl Williams IV - STAR

Jadon Canady went off to the NFL, and Oregon needed to find a replacement at the STAR position. Baylor transfer Carl Williams IV was given the chance to secure the role, but he’s struggled at times while suffering an injury against Oklahoma State. Williams will return for the USC game, and he’s going to need to play better for this defense to find success. 

6. Koi Perich - Safety

After spending big on Dillon Thieneman last year and watching him exceed every expectation, Oregon swung for the fences again by adding Minnesota safety Koi Perich. While Perich hasn't been bad, he hasn't yet looked like the nation's top safety many expected him to be. If Oregon is going to contend for a national championship, Perich will need to take the next step, especially with Kingston Lopa leaving this offseason and already racking up five interceptions in three games. Lopa is looking like the caliber of player Oregon hoped to add when it brought in Perich.

Living up to the expectations

5. Bailey Ettridge - Punter

The fans are always disappointed when the punter has to take the field, but Bailey Ettridge has at least made the moments positive. Ettridge has punted 9 times this season, landing 5 inside the 20 yard line while averaging 48.6 yards per punt.

4. RJ Todd - Long Snapper

While you can complain about the offense and the defense, Oregon's special teams have been great to start the season. RJ Todd has stepped into the long snapper role, and there's been no issues with the operation.

3. Andrew Olesh - Tight End

The Ducks have been without Jamari Johnson over the last two games, and transfer tight end Andrew Olesh has been the starter for both games. While Olesh hasn't had the same level of production as freshman Kendre Harrison, it's clear the staff trusts him to help in protection and as a receiver. Olesh is going to continue to play a factor in this offense, and he'll only get better in the seasons to come.

2. Dylan Raiola - Quarterback

The coaching staff took a swing by adding Nebraska transfer Dylan Raiola, banking on their ability to develop him behind Dante Moore. Thus far, Raiola couldn't be doing better, as he finished the Portland State game 11-of-11 for 124 yards and 3 touchdowns. Raiola gives the team a backup who can play at a high level if needed, and it's hard not to be excited about the early results.

The crown jewel

1. D'Antre Robinson - Defensive Line

The best pickup by the Ducks thus far has been defensive tackle D'Antre Robinson, who was added to play behind A'Mauri Washington and Bear Alexander. Robinson hasn't played a ton of snaps, but when he's entered the game, he's generated a ton of pressure while batting the pass into the air that led to the Devon Jackson Pick 6.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow