The Oregon Ducks are undeniably going to lose some star power as elite athletes on the roster reach the end of their collegiate eligibility. However, even after the Ducks' loss to Ohio State at the Rose Bowl, the Ducks received some good news of one star staying put.
Defensive back Jahlil Florence, who missed the entire 2024-25 season due to injury, announced that he would return to Oregon for another season.
"I still got something to finish, I feel like I have a year where I could definitely help this team a lot," Florence said. I'm definitely coming back next year, for sure."
Florence has been on the Ducks' roster since 2022 when he played in eight of Oregon's 13 games during his freshman season – earning 8 total tackles, 1 forced fumble, and 1 interception. In 2023, Florence became a starter for the Ducks and amassed 27 total tackles, 1 pass deflection, 1 sack, and 1 interception before being sidelined by his injury.
Before his injury, Florence had become a crucial part of the Ducks' secondary and was greatly missed as the Oregon defense was shredded to pieces by Will Howard and the OSU Buckeyes' offense in the College Football Playoffs.
Florence's return is exactly what the Ducks and the Oregon fans needed to hear after a heartwrenching end to their incredible season.
Coming out of high school, Florence was a consensus four-star recruit and was included in 247Sports' top 100 players in the nation. ESPN ranked Florence as the No. 17 overall cornerback in the class of 2022 prospects.
Florence and the Ducks will look to restart their campaign for Oregon's first-ever National Championship on Aug. 30 against Montana State. The Ducks will kick off Big Ten play against Northwestern on Sept. 13.