Tracking the Ducks: Where Oregon Stars Land in the 2026 NFL Draft

The state of Oregon is buzzing this weekend, but not just because of the annual spring game in Eugene. For the first time in program history, the Oregon Ducks are experiencing a truly unprecedented convergence of events. As the new-look roster takes the field at Autzen Stadium on Saturday afternoon, a historic wave of former Ducks is simultaneously hearing their names called in the 2026 NFL Draft. It’s a dual-pronged celebration of the past, present, and future of Oregon football.

This is a watershed moment for the program. The 2026 draft class is shaping up to be one of the deepest and most talented groups to ever leave Eugene. From explosive offensive playmakers to a lockdown secondary, NFL front offices have been circling Oregon prospects for months. The anxiety and excitement will begin on Thursday night and crescendo through the final selections on Saturday. For fans, it’s a balancing act: watching the future of the team on the spring game field while tracking where their favorite former stars will begin their professional careers.

We are tracking every single selection, every signing, and every surprise. Below is your complete, updated guide to where the Oregon Ducks landed in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Round 1 Fireworks: The Ducks Who Dominated Thursday Night

The first round of the 2026 NFL Draft is where the Oregon brand shines brightest. Two players are expected to be the headliners, and their selections will set the tone for a massive weekend. The spotlight will be on tight end Kenyon Sadiq and safety Dillon Thieneman. Both players are projected to be off the board within the first 20 picks, making them the first Oregon teammates selected in the first round since 2020.

Kenyon Sadiq is a generational talent at the tight end position. His combination of size, speed, and after-the-catch ability has drawn comparisons to some of the NFL’s elite. Scouts rave about his ability to line up in the slot, split out wide, or inline as a blocker. He is not just a weapon; he is a matchup nightmare. Expect him to go to a team in the top 15 that needs a dynamic pass-catcher to revitalize their offense. His selection will be the first of many fireworks for the Ducks.

Dillon Thieneman has been the heart and soul of the Oregon secondary for the past two seasons. A ball-hawking safety with elite instincts and a knack for being in the right place at the right time, Thieneman is the complete package. He can play center field, he can come down and hit like a linebacker, and he has the football IQ to call defensive adjustments at the line of scrimmage. Teams looking for a defensive leader in the first round will not let him slip past the middle of the first round. His selection will be a proud moment for a program that prides itself on producing NFL-ready defenders.

While these two are the locks, don’t be surprised if a third Oregon player sneaks into the back end of the first round. The depth of this class is staggering.

Friday Frenzy: The Mid-Round Stars and Steals

Once the first round concludes, the real grind begins for Oregon fans. Friday’s second and third rounds are where the Ducks’ depth will be on full display. The program has several players who are considered high-floor, high-upside prospects that could become steals for savvy NFL teams.

Here are the key names to watch on Day 2 of the draft:

• Jordan James (RB): The workhorse running back who carried the load for the Ducks is a perfect fit for a zone-blocking scheme. He is patient, has excellent vision, and is surprisingly powerful for his size. He is a Day 2 lock and could be the first running back taken off the board.
• Terrance Ferguson (TE): While Sadiq gets the headlines, Ferguson has been a consistent, reliable target for years. He is a better blocker than given credit for and has reliable hands. He will be a fantastic value pick in the third round for a team that runs a lot of 12 personnel.
• Tez Johnson (WR): The electrifying slot receiver is one of the most explosive players in the entire draft. His speed is undeniable. The only question is his size, which is why he falls to the third round. If he lands in the right offense, he could be a rookie of the year candidate.
• Jabbar Muhammad (CB): The feisty cornerback is a technician. He may not have elite length, but his ball skills and ability to play press-man coverage are elite. He will be a starter in the NFL for a long time and is a likely second-round pick.

The offensive line also deserves attention. Oregon has produced first-round linemen in recent years, and while this class may not have a top-10 pick, the depth is real. Expect at least one Duck offensive lineman to hear his name called on Friday, providing a crucial piece for a team needing a versatile guard or swing tackle.

Friday is the day where general managers earn their money, and the Ducks will be a major part of the conversation. The value picks here will define the class.

Saturday’s Late-Round Gems and the Undrafted Free Agent Frenzy

As the draft winds down on Saturday, the tension shifts. For many players, the difference between being a 6th-round pick and an undrafted free agent is a matter of opportunity. The Oregon Ducks still have several players on the board who will be selected in the later rounds or will sign immediately after the draft concludes.

Players still on the board: The list of Ducks waiting for their call on Saturday includes several defensive linemen and special teams standouts. These are the players who have the physical traits but need the right coaching staff to unlock their potential. Look for a team like the San Francisco 49ers or the Kansas City Chiefs to target these late-round Ducks, as they have a history of developing players from Power 5 programs.

Once the final pick is made, the undrafted free agency period begins immediately. This is where the real competition starts. Oregon’s program has a strong track record of players making rosters as undrafted free agents. The coaching staff in Eugene does an excellent job of preparing players for the pro lifestyle, and that pays off in these moments.

We expect several Ducks to sign priority free agent deals within minutes of the draft ending. These players will get a signing bonus and a legitimate shot to make the 53-man roster or the practice squad. The key for these players is finding the right fit—a team with a need at their position and a clear path to special teams snaps.

Keep an eye on the wide receiver and linebacker rooms. There are a few Ducks who went under the radar during the season but tested incredibly well at the combine. Those players will be coveted on Saturday afternoon.

Expert Analysis: What This Draft Means for Oregon’s Future

This draft class is not just a collection of individual success stories; it is a statement about the trajectory of the Oregon football program. To have this many players selected—potentially double digits—while the current team is playing a spring game is a testament to the recruiting and development pipeline that has been built in Eugene.

For the players who get drafted, the work is just beginning. The jump from college to the NFL is massive, but Oregon players have a distinct advantage. They have been playing in a pro-style system for years. They understand NFL terminology, they are used to high-level competition in practice, and they are physically mature. This is why Oregon players tend to outperform their draft position.

My bold prediction: Kenyon Sadiq will be the Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate if he lands with a quarterback who can get him the ball in space. Dillon Thieneman will start from Week 1 and will be a Pro Bowl alternate within two seasons. And the undrafted free agent group from Oregon will produce at least one starter by the end of the 2026 season.

This draft class will be remembered as the one that put Oregon firmly on the map as a “DBU” and “TE U” simultaneously. It is a golden era for the Ducks, and the NFL is taking notice.

Conclusion: A Weekend to Remember for Duck Nation

As you settle in to watch the Oregon spring game on Saturday, take a moment to appreciate the bigger picture. The players you are watching run through drills at Autzen are the future. The players being drafted are the proof of concept. This weekend is the ultimate validation of the program’s culture and coaching.

Whether you are tracking the first-round selections of Sadiq and Thieneman, the mid-round steals on Friday, or the late-round gems and undrafted signings on Saturday, one thing is clear: The Oregon Duck presence in the NFL is stronger than ever. The 2026 draft class is a historic one, and it is just the beginning of what promises to be a long, dominant era of professional football players coming from Eugene.

Stay tuned to this tracker as we update every pick and every signing. Go Ducks.

Source: Based on news from Yahoo Sports.