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When you look at the Oregon Ducks' recruiting over the years, it's no secret that Dan Lanning has been as good as just about anyone when it comes to bringing the top talent to Eugene. Year after year, Oregon has broken its previous record for the highest-rated class in program history, signing a total of five 5-star players this past December.
Of course, what matters the most is how these players are viewed a few years down the road once they've had a chance to develop and produce. A player can be ranked No. 1 in the nation coming out of high school, but after a couple of years pass, what is the perception?
According to ESPN, the answer to that question when it comes to a few Oregon Ducks is "incredibly well." ESPN recently went through the 2023 rankings and adjusted things based on how these players have performed, re-ranking the ESPN 300.
In the re-ranking, some former well-respected Ducks have turned into among the best players in the class.
It all starts with Dante Moore, who was previously ranked as the No. 2 player in the class back in 2023, behind only former USC Trojans QB Malachi Nelson. Moore has now jumped up to the top spot, standing as the No. 1 overall player in the 2023 class, in retrospect. In his first season as a full-time starter in 2025, he led the Ducks to the College Football Playoff semifinals, throwing for 3,565 yards and 30 touchdowns.
The next Duck on the list is EDGE Matayo Uiagalelei, who was ranked as the No. 65 player in the 2023 rankings. According to ESPN, Uiagalelei would move all the way up to No. 18 after his three years of production in Eugene.
"In Eugene, he flashed potential as a freshman but broke out as a sophomore with 10.5 sacks. As a junior, the disruptive production continued with two forced fumbles, 9.5 tackles for a loss and six sacks."
After Uiagalelei, it's TE Kenyon Sadiq who jumps up the list, moving from No. 152 in 2023 to No. 21 in the re-ranking. This leap is expected for Sadiq, who now enters the 2026 NFL draft as the No. 1 TE on the board and a projected first-round pick.
"In hindsight, Sadiq deserved a higher projection," ESPN writes. "At 6-foot-3 and 225 pounds, he ran a laser-verified 4.72 40-yard dash with an even more impressive 1.67 10-yard split, showing elite initial quickness for his size. He also clocked a 32-inch vertical jump, and his 10-1 broad jump would've ranked fourth among tight ends at the 2025 NFL combine. On tape, he was a bit inexperienced as a route runner but plenty strong and elusive after the catch. Not much has changed except he's added 20 pounds and retained all of his speed, athleticism, and explosiveness."
The massive leaps for Oregon's trio highlight the scouting and development that the Ducks' staff, both front-office and coaching, have been able to do over the past few years. If we've learned anything, this trend should continue in Eugene, as well.
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.
This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Re-ranking of ESPN 300 sees Dante Moore, other Oregon Ducks skyrocket
Continue reading...
Of course, what matters the most is how these players are viewed a few years down the road once they've had a chance to develop and produce. A player can be ranked No. 1 in the nation coming out of high school, but after a couple of years pass, what is the perception?
According to ESPN, the answer to that question when it comes to a few Oregon Ducks is "incredibly well." ESPN recently went through the 2023 rankings and adjusted things based on how these players have performed, re-ranking the ESPN 300.
In the re-ranking, some former well-respected Ducks have turned into among the best players in the class.
It all starts with Dante Moore, who was previously ranked as the No. 2 player in the class back in 2023, behind only former USC Trojans QB Malachi Nelson. Moore has now jumped up to the top spot, standing as the No. 1 overall player in the 2023 class, in retrospect. In his first season as a full-time starter in 2025, he led the Ducks to the College Football Playoff semifinals, throwing for 3,565 yards and 30 touchdowns.
The next Duck on the list is EDGE Matayo Uiagalelei, who was ranked as the No. 65 player in the 2023 rankings. According to ESPN, Uiagalelei would move all the way up to No. 18 after his three years of production in Eugene.
"In Eugene, he flashed potential as a freshman but broke out as a sophomore with 10.5 sacks. As a junior, the disruptive production continued with two forced fumbles, 9.5 tackles for a loss and six sacks."
After Uiagalelei, it's TE Kenyon Sadiq who jumps up the list, moving from No. 152 in 2023 to No. 21 in the re-ranking. This leap is expected for Sadiq, who now enters the 2026 NFL draft as the No. 1 TE on the board and a projected first-round pick.
"In hindsight, Sadiq deserved a higher projection," ESPN writes. "At 6-foot-3 and 225 pounds, he ran a laser-verified 4.72 40-yard dash with an even more impressive 1.67 10-yard split, showing elite initial quickness for his size. He also clocked a 32-inch vertical jump, and his 10-1 broad jump would've ranked fourth among tight ends at the 2025 NFL combine. On tape, he was a bit inexperienced as a route runner but plenty strong and elusive after the catch. Not much has changed except he's added 20 pounds and retained all of his speed, athleticism, and explosiveness."
The massive leaps for Oregon's trio highlight the scouting and development that the Ducks' staff, both front-office and coaching, have been able to do over the past few years. If we've learned anything, this trend should continue in Eugene, as well.
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.
This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Re-ranking of ESPN 300 sees Dante Moore, other Oregon Ducks skyrocket
Continue reading...
