The Oregon Ducks football team is gearing up for another season, and there’s a buzz around the 13 new players joining from the transfer portal. With some big names leaving and fresh faces stepping in, the Ducks are hoping to keep their edge.
This year’s roster has some intriguing additions, especially safety Koi Perich and quarterback Dylan Raiola. Let’s dig into what these new players might mean for Oregon’s chances this season.
New Faces on the Oregon Ducks Roster
Oregon picked up 13 new players through the transfer portal. Each one brings something different to the table.
It’s not the largest haul, but the talent level is high. Coaches expect these transfers to battle for starting jobs and help shore up the depth chart.
Key Additions
Some of these newcomers could really shake things up. Here’s a quick look at the main names to watch:
- D’Antre Robinson – No. 0
- Iverson Hooks – No. 2
- Koi Perich – No. 3
- Dylan Raiola – No. 8
- Aaron Scott Jr. – No. 14
- Carl Williams IV – No. 15
- Markus Dixon – No. 17
- Simeon Price – No. 22
- Bleu Dantzler – No. 27
- Keaton Emmett – No. 35
- Michael Bennett – No. 75
- Andrew Olesh – No. 81
- Jerome Simmons – No. 99
Spotlight on Koi Perich
Koi Perich, wearing No. 3, is a major addition at safety. He’s expected to step in for Dillon Theieneman, who’s off to the 2026 NFL Draft.
Perich has a solid background and looks like he could snag a starting role early on. Coaches seem pretty excited about what he brings.
Experience and Performance
Perich spent two seasons with the Minnesota Golden Gophers before landing in Eugene. In the Big Ten, he put up 128 tackles, forced two fumbles, and snagged six interceptions—one of those he took all the way for a touchdown.
He’s got a real knack for takeaways, which Oregon’s defense could definitely use.
Strengthening the Defense
Last season, Oregon’s defense ranked No. 4 in the FBS for passing yards allowed per game (157.9). With Perich coming in, there’s a good chance the Ducks can keep that defensive swagger, even with some key departures.
Importance of Turnovers
The Ducks face a tough schedule, with USC, Ohio State, and Michigan on the slate. Winning the turnover battle will matter a ton.
Perich’s ability to create big plays might tip the scales in those high-pressure games. Maybe it’s what gets Oregon back into the College Football Playoff hunt.
Offensive Boost with Dylan Raiola
Quarterback Dylan Raiola, wearing No. 8, is another transfer to keep an eye on. He comes from Nebraska and brings a lot of upside to Oregon’s QB room.
Raiola’s Track Record
Raiola threw for 4,819 yards and 31 touchdowns in two seasons at Nebraska. His 2025 campaign ended early after a broken fibula, but he’s back to full health and took part in spring practices.
His presence adds some real competition at quarterback, and he’s got two years of eligibility left. That’s a nice safety net for the Ducks.
Adding Depth with Aaron Scott Jr.
Another interesting pickup is former Ohio State cornerback Aaron Scott Jr., who’ll be wearing No. 14. He’s expected to bring some much-needed depth to the secondary.
Scott’s Potential
Scott arrived at Ohio State in 2024 as a four-star recruit. He didn’t get much playing time there, finishing with just 11 tackles over two years.
Still, Oregon has a pretty good track record of helping transfers reach their potential. Maybe Scott’s the next success story—guess we’ll see soon enough.
Looking Ahead
The Ducks have a knack for developing players and helping them reach their full potential. This reputation alone makes Oregon a tempting spot for transfer players who want to compete at a high level.
With three players projected to go early in the 2026 NFL Draft—Thieneman and offensive lineman Emmanuel Pregnon among them—the Ducks keep showing they’re a true powerhouse in college football.
The 2026 season is almost here, and the Oregon Ducks look ready to make some noise. The mix of experienced transfers and homegrown talent puts the Ducks in a strong spot for a national title run.
Honestly, it’s hard not to get excited about guys like Koi Perich and Dylan Raiola. They might just end up being the difference-makers this season.
If you want to dig deeper into the Ducks’ new faces, check out the full article on Sports Illustrated.
- Schools Covered
- College Football Articles
- Men's College Basketball Articles
- Men's College Soccer Articles
- Women's College Basketball Articles
- Olympic Athlete Articles
- Men's College Baseball Articles
- College Sports Media Professionals Articles
- Hall of Fame Member Articles
- Former College Player Articles
- Game Previews
