Latest news with #Uiagalelei
USA Today
12-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
ESPN names surprising area of concern for Oregon Ducks in 2025
Across the 2024 season, the Oregon Ducks' defensive line was a major strength and a catalyst behind them winning the Big Ten title. NFL personnel agreed, as defensive tackle Derrick Harmon (No. 21 overall), defensive end Jordan Burch (No. 78) and defensive tackle Jamaree Caldwell (No. 86) all were selected in the 2025 NFL Draft. Looking ahead to 2025 however, ESPN, as part of an article listing areas of concern for every top 25 college football team, tabbed the defensive line for the Ducks as their biggest area of concern. "It's hard to say whether this is an area of concern just yet, but there are question marks with Oregon's defensive line as the Ducks lost both Derrick Harmon and Jordan Burch from last year (as well as Jamaree Caldwell)," according to ESPN scribe Paolo Uggetti. "Defensive end is a strength with Matayo Uiagalelei holding down the edge, but the rest of the line will require some newcomers to step up, such as USC transfer Bear Alexander and rising lineman Aydin Breland, who could be in line for a breakout season. A'mauri Washington, one of the few returning players, will likely be a fixture of the new-look line as well." Uiagalelei is clearly the standout of the group, as he led Oregon in sacks with 10.5 last season, edging out Burch, who registered 8.5 of his own. A 6-foot-5, 270-pounder with tremendous body control, versatility, and strength, Uiagalelei will look to put together another dominant season. But it won't just be him, as Alexander was a four-star prospect out of high school and had a nice season in 2023 with the USC Trojans, totaling 27 solo tackles, 1.5 sacks, and two passes defensed from his interior position. He transferred to Oregon after an injury-riddled 2024 campaign. While it may largely be due to three NFL-caliber players departing via the draft, it's a questionable choice for the Ducks' defensive line — which features two guys in Uiagalelei and Alexander who are on 2026 NFL draft boards and several other highly-talented players elsewhere along the line — to be an area of concern heading into 2025. Also ranked at No. 8 on ESPN's list after coming off a 12-0 regular season and a conference title victory, it's simply more motivation for Oregon to prove the national media wrong. Contact/Follow @Ducks_Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinions.
USA Today
24-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
WATCH: Oregon Star Matayo Uiagalelei Works With Ducks Legend Kayvon Thibodeaux
One of the biggest recruiting tactics for a college football team is the ability to bring back past players who are now in the NFL and use them as a tool for incoming prospects on visits. The Oregon Ducks did that this past weekend with former first-round pick Kayvon Thibodeaux, a star for the New York Giants. While the former Duck might have helped with some recruits in town over the weekend, he also got a chance to work out with current Ducks' star Matayo Uiagalelei, teaching the junior a couple of tips and tricks in his pass-rushing moves. The video shows Uiagalelie working on a rip move against Thibodeaux, who coaches him up, saying that the move is still too soft and that he needs to be more aggressive and physical with his rip. While it's cool to see the specifics of the move and the fundamentals at work, it's also encouraging to see the size of Matayo next to the NFL defensive end. Thibodeaux is listed at 6-foot-4, 256 pounds, while Uiagalelei is listed at 6-foot-5, 270 pounds. We've seen the current Duck transform his body and add a ton of muscle since he showed up in Eugene a couple of years ago, but seeing it next to a star like Thibodeaux is revealing. Uiagalelei is projected to be one of the best pass-rushers in the nation this year after leading the Big Ten in sacks a year ago with 10.5. If he plays up to his expected ceiling, it's not hard to see a world where he is an early first-round pick in next year's NFL draft, just like Thibodeaux was back in 2022. Contact/Follow @Ducks_Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinions.
USA Today
11-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Oregon Football star Matayo Uiagalelei projected to be first-round pick in 2026
Oregon Football star Matayo Uiagalelei projected to be first-round pick in 2026 The Oregon Ducks have become accustomed to losing players to the NFL in the past few years. They just lost 10 players to the 2025 draft and if the players currently in Eugene continue on this trajectory, then there is expected to be many more draft selections next year. Among those players anticipated to be picked is Matayo Uiagalelei. The 5-star recruit possesses a rare blend of size, speed and athleticism to go along with elite pass rush skills. In his first real opportunity to play at Oregon last year, Uiagalelei proved why he is such a highly touted prospect with 10.5 sacks in just 13 games. Even more impressive is the fact that over the final 10 games of the season there was only one game in which Uiagalelei did not record a sack. Combine that with the two fumbles he forced and the interception he caught, and you have all the makings of a potential NFL star. Max Chadwick of Pro Football Focus College believes that if Uiagalelei continues to develop at this rate then he could be a first-round pick next year. The star pass rusher has all the intangibles and measurables it takes to be an elite NFL player; he will just need to sustain his dominant numbers. Contact/Follow @Ducks_Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinions.
USA Today
29-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Oregon Football sends three players in The Athletic 2026 NFL mock draft
Oregon Football sends three players in The Athletic 2026 NFL mock draft Oregon just saw 10 former players get selected in the 2025 NFL draft, which was a program record. While 2026 might not see as many Ducks go in the draft, according to The Athletic, Oregon will have plenty to celebrate around something that has never happened before. In writer Dane Brugler's "too-early mock draft" for 2026, a total of three Ducks get selected in the first round. If that should hold true, it would be a program first. They've had two first-rounders in 1972, 2013, 2015, and this latest draft in 2025. While a lot of things could chance between now and then, there's no doubt the Ducks will put out a tremendous amount of talent on the field for this coming season and it will be fun to watch. The first to go would be defensive end Matayo Uiagalelei to the New England Patriots. He's set to have a great season and it's no surprise Uiagalelei is the first Duck to go at No. 10. "The Oregon defensive line was a joy to watch this past season — 75 percent of its starters were drafted this past weekend (Derrick Harmon, Jordan Burch, Jamaree Caldwell). Uiagalelei is the lone returning starter, but he might have the highest ceiling of the group," Brugler said. Next is tight end Kenyon Sadiq at No. 18 to the Denver Broncos. Being reunited with quarterback Bo Nix would be a sweet sight to see in the Mile High City. This will be Sadiq's first chance to be TE1 at Oregon, and everyone is projecting him to have a major breakout year. "Despite totaling just 332 receiving yards over his first two seasons in Eugene, Sadiq is poised for a breakout season in 2025 with Terrance Ferguson now in the NFL," Brugler said. "The 6-3, 245-pound Idaho native is an athletic pass catcher for his size." According to this mock draft, the last first-rounder taken from Oregon is receiver Evan Stewart, who was selected No. 31 by the Baltimore Ravens. Brugler says Stewart will finally get a chance to shine as WR1 this season. "A former five-star recruit, Stewart teases high-level receiving talent (see the Boise State and Ohio State tapes from last season) but needs to string together better consistency to be taken this early," he said. "Will 2025 finally be his breakout year?" Contact/Follow @Ducks_Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinions.
USA Today
27-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
2025 NFL draft: Chargers sign 19 undrafted free agents to roster
2025 NFL draft: Chargers sign 19 undrafted free agents to roster Los Angeles made nine selections in the NFL draft, but their final choice of Florida defensive back Trikweze Bridges didn't conclude Saturday's events. The Chargers came to terms with 19 undrafted free agents after the conclusion of the draft, including five more defensive backs. Here's a quick look at each of the newest members of the Chargers. Florida State QB DJ Uiagalelei Once the no. 10 recruit in the country, Uiagalelei never quite developed into the world-beating player many expected him to be when he took over for Trevor Lawrence as the starter at Clemson. After stops at Oregon State in 2023 and Florida State in 2024, the 6'4" Uiagalelei will join a Chargers depth chart that already has Justin Herbert, Taylor Heinicke, and Trey Lance firmly entrenched on the roster. Uiagalelei will be competing for a practice squad spot, but with an extra preseason game for LA because of their inclusion in the Hall of Fame game, he should have an opportunity to see real preseason snaps. South Carolina RB Raheim Sanders Most analysts thought that Sanders was a draftable player after the season he had at South Carolina, even if he's lost some shine since breaking onto the scene as part of the 2022 Arkansas offense. Widely pigeonholed as a gap runner only, Sanders showed the ability to get to the outside and turn upfield on zone runs during his time at the East-West Shrine Bowl in January. The running back room is crowded in LA with first-rounder Omarion Hampton, Najee Harris, 2024 sixth-rounder Kimani Vidal, and returner/short-yardage back Hassan Haskins, but based on pure talent alone, Sanders should be considered one of the favorites to make the 53 from LA's signings on Saturday. Kansas WR Luke Grimm The 5'11" Grimm has played 172 special teams snaps in his career, including a couple reps as a kick returner. He ran a 4.46 at the Big 12 conference pro day and was the third-best receiver in the Power 4 on short (0-9 yards) routes in 2024, according to PFF. A first down machine out of the slot, Grimm could push for a practice squad spot behind Ladd McConkey and Derius Davis on the inside. Iowa State TE Stevo Klotz Klotz is listed on the Chargers' signing page as a tight end, but the former Cyclone is mostly a fullback, where he earned second team All-Big 12 honors in 2023 and 2024. At almost 6'4" and 247 pounds, Klotz is molded in the Ben Mason archetype and will presumably compete with Scott Matlock for fullback reps. Syracuse OT Savion Washington A massive tackle at 6'8 1/2" and 340 pounds with arms exceeding 34", Washington is somewhat surprisingly a better pass than run blocker. He transferred to Syracuse for his final season after beginning his career at Colorado. The Chargers will likely look to extract some better results in the run game from his frame, which could make or break his ability to stick around as a potential option at swing tackle. Purdue OT Corey Stewart After a first team All-MAC showing in 2023, Stewart transferred up to Purdue, where he started 11 games at left tackle for the Boilermakers alongside Giants draft pick Marcus Mbow. Like Washington, Stewart graded out better in pass protection than in the run game, but he has experience at both tackle spots and could potentially move inside to guard. He needs more weight on his frame - he weighed in at 314 lbs at his pro day - but could be an interesting developmental player. Mississippi State OT Jimmy Bell Jr. Bell has never played a college football game after spending exactly one spring working out at offensive tackle with West Virginia before transferring to Mississippi State. Bell has instead been playing basketball this entire time, appearing in 35 games and making 16 starts for the Bulldogs at center. Standing 6'9" and 330 lbs, Bell will attempt to make the transition to football with the Chargers, who could use some depth at tackle. Texas State G Nash Jones At 6'4", 320 lbs, Jones has played both left tackle and left guard across his time at Incarnate Word and Texas State. A strong, densely-built run blocker, Jones will be a guard in the NFL because of his lack of foot quickness or hip fluidity to play tackle. But as his technique improves with NFL coaching, he could be a solid depth piece for a professional offensive line. He'll have a nice opportunity with the Chargers if he can last until next season, as four interior linemen are set to hit free agency for LA next offseason. Maryland C Josh Kaltenberger Tall for a center at 6'6", Kaltenberger was nonetheless one of the Big Ten's most effective pass blockers last season, allowing a conference-low six hurries in the passing game. A Purdue transfer who also has guard flexibility, Kaltenberger is a functional athlete who will allow the Chargers to focus on their starting competition week in and week out without worrying about whether there will be enough scout team reps to go around in the preseason. Illinois DT TeRah Edwards Edwards would've really preferred to not be in this draft class, as he applied for a waiver for an additional year of eligibility at Illinois in March. That waiver was denied on April 3, keeping Edwards in the draft and allowing the Chargers to scoop him up to add to their rotation on the defensive line. An extremely strong player who primarily lined up at nose tackle for the Illini, Edwards will now have to prove he's more valuable than veterans Naquan Jones and Christopher Hinton to find a way onto the squad in any capacity. Virginia Tech DT Josh Fuga Fuga nearly exclusively played in the B gap for the Hokies, with 1,414 snaps there versus 299 snaps anywhere else on the defensive line. A sixth-year player who was overshadowed by draft picks Aeneas Peebles and Antwaun Powell-Ryland, Fuga has primarily been a role player in his college career. He totaled just four sacks and four pass deflections in his career, but he ran a quick 5.08 40-yard dash and otherwise tested well at 321 pounds. Baylor EDGE Garmon Randolph At 6'6", 265 pounds, Randolph is built more like a tight end than an edge rusher. Indeed, he was primarily known for his exploits on the offensive side of the ball as a high schooler before moving to defense full time when he committed to Baylor in 2019. With only 10 career sacks, Randolph is still learning how to harness his athleticism and keep his pad level low enough to be effective consistently. With an explosive first step and the ability to drop into coverage, however, he could be a nice developmental project for Mike Elston, edge coach Dylan Roney, and Jesse Minter. Western Kentucky EDGE Kylan Guidry Another receiver/edge combination player in high school, Guidry also played basketball and competed in the high jump and 400m in high school. He's much more of a fireball off the edge, standing at just 235 lbs with a 1.58 10-yard split in the 40-yard dash. He was second on the Hilltoppers with 7 tackles for loss and 3 sacks in 2024, but his ability to hold up as a run defender will likely be the deciding factor in how long he lasts at the NFL level. Syracuse LB Marlowe Wax Wax battled through injury to play in eight games this season, with his teammate Alijah Clark (who signed with the Cowboys on Saturday) telling the media that the linebacker played at 55% for the entire season at Syracuse's pro day. His best season was in 2023, when he had 110 tackles, 11.5 for loss, and 4 sacks while forcing 4 fumbles. After a buzzy workout at his pro day, including a 4.62 40-yard dash, Wax will look to push Del'Shawn Phillips for a role on special teams or land on the practice squad. Oregon CB Nikko Reed An Oakland native who initially committed to Colorado before transferring to Oregon when Deion Sanders became the head coach in Boulder, Reed has bulked up from 155 pounds as a freshman to 183 at Oregon's pro day. Nonetheless, he doesn't quite have the ideal size to play at corner, and is more likely to move into the nickel as a pro. His recovery speed and play awareness have progressed every season and he's eager to fit the run, which could lend himself to a role in the Chargers secondary. Iowa State CB Myles Purchase Another potential contributor in the nickel, Purchase stands just 5'9" but is a much more filled out 203 pounds. Like Reed, Purchase is an eager run defender who bursts to the ball. He's not quite as quick as Reed, however, as he finished with a 4.51 40-yard dash at the Big 12 conference pro day. But after signing Notre Dame nickel Thomas Harper in undrafted free agency last season and losing him to waivers, it's clear the Chargers want to continue to take swings at the position by signing Reed and Purchase. Bowling Green CB Jordan Oladokun The younger brother of 2022 Steelers draftee and current Chiefs quarterback Chris Oladokun, the Bowling Green corner has had a winding college career. After initially committing to Iowa, Oladokun backed off his pledge and headed to Samford to join his brother, transferring to Bowling Green ahead of the 2022 season. One of just three FBS corners to not allow a touchdown in coverage in at least 400 snaps according to PFF, Oladokun is a highly productive player on the ball (9 career interceptions) whose athleticism is the main obstacle to NFL success. Rutgers CB Eric Rogers Rogers drew interest from the Chargers before the draft, as The Draft Network's Justin Melo reported on March 30 that Los Angeles had showed some interest in the Rutgers corner after his impressive pro day that included a 6.84 3-cone drill and 4.25 shuttle drill. A Northern Illinois transfer who clocked in at just 178 pounds, Rogers told Melo that he's more used to playing man coverage, which fits his skillset as a taller and longer corner. Virginia Tech S Jaylen Jones With 289 special teams snaps and a near-equal split between free safety, the slot, and reps in the box, Jones is a versatile defender who could push Saturday draft picks RJ Mickens and Trikweze Bridges for a spot on the 53-man roster as the fourth safety behind Derwin James, Alohi Gilman, and Elijah Molden. Those three rookies and veteran Tony Jefferson will be in competition for that spot, as well as 1-2 spots on the practice squad. Jones ran 4.52 at Virginia Tech's pro day, but will have to show solid ability both on defense and special teams to stick around.
