Where Oregon's offensive line stands in wake of Jordan Seaton decision

[ASFN Admin]

The Jordan Seaton saga has finally come to a close, as the former Colorado Buffalo and the top-ranked offensive tackle in the transfer portal has committed to LSU. He took visits to several other colleges and hosted Oregon Ducks' Dan Lanning on an in-home visit, but it was all for naught.

For a moment, on the night that Lanning met with Seaton at his home in Atlanta, it appeared that the Ducks, despite Seaton's known plans of not visiting Eugene, may have been able to secure his commitment at the last second. The thought of Seaton, who received all-conference honors in each of his first two seasons in college, protecting quarterback Dante Moore's blindside at Oregon was a dream scenario.

But in the end, despite putting forth a competitive offer, it turned out to be just that: a dream.

That's not to say the Ducks should be panicking, however. They still are set to return a solid group of expected starters at each of the positions along the offensive line despite graduating three starters from 2025.

So, rest assured, Duck fans. The sky is not falling. The offensive line will be just fine in 2026.

With Seaton out of the picture, let's go through Oregon's projected depth chart at all five offensive line positions, plus break down exactly how much Seaton's spurning of the Ducks affects their title chances next season.

Left Tackle​

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• Starter: Fox Crader
• Backup: Ziyarre Addison
• Other Names to Know: Emmanuel Iheanacho / Gernorris Wilson

Analysis: With Seaton's commitment to LSU, it appears that this is Fox Crader's spot to lose. He did well in reserve this year and showed that he can play there. Oregon also has a significant amount of depth at the position, with guys like Ziyarre Addison and incoming 5-star Emmanuel Iheanacho capable of stepping up as well.

Left Guard​

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• Starter: Douglas Utu
• Backup: Kawika Rogers
• Other Names to Know: Demetri Manning

Analysis: Will it be the young blue-chipper to step up, or the veteran reserve? That's the question between Douglas Utu and Kawika Rogers. Our early money is on Utu, because we've been told that he has a high ceiling and is ready to play, but Rogers has been good when leaned on over the last couple of years, and could be ready to step into the starting role.

Center​

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• Starter: Iapani Laloulu
• Backup: Devin Brooks
• Other Names to Know: Bryce Boulton

Analysis: With Iapani Laloulu returning for his senior season, the Ducks are as strong as just about anyone in the nation at the center position. Behind Poncho, though, we will see what Devin Brooks or Bryce Boulton can provide. With Charlie Pickard gone, the Ducks will have to find their backup center this year.

Right Guard​

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• Starter: Dave Iuli
• Backup: Michael Bennett
• Other Names to Know: Douglas Utu

Analysis: It's not hard to project that Dave Iuli is going to get the starting spot at RG once again next year, after serving there for the 2025 season, but the Ducks also brought in Yale transfer Michael Bennett, who could slot in at guard should he need to.

Right Tackle​

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• Starter: Gernorris Wilson
• Backup: Trent Ferguson
• Other Names to Know: Tommy Tofi

Analysis: Seaton's spurning of Oregon affects the right tackle position as well, as the possibility of Crader moving to this side was a possibility in that case. But with Seaton going elsewhere, it looks like Gernorris Wilson will slot in as the right tackle and Crader as the left tackle. Behind him, Oregon native Trent Ferguson and talented incoming true freshman Tommy Tofi will provide depth.

How Seaton’s Decision Impacts Oregon’s Title Hopes​

The short answer? A decent amount.

With a player of Seaton's caliber that would immediately step in as a first-team All-Big Ten left tackle, the recruiting loss may cause Lanning to lose some sleep — even more than he already did in making the cross-country flight and meeting with Seaton in the wee hours of Tuesday morning.

But, as I said earlier, the sky is not falling. The Ducks were more than prepared for the possibility that they might not land Seaton. It simply would've been icing on the cake during this portal cycle to land the top-ranked offensive tackle. But it didn't happen.

And Oregon will be just fine. Fox Crader, the projected starter at that spot, filled in admirably in protecting Moore's blindside in a late-season victory over the USC Trojans after starter Isaiah World exited with an injury.

Crader was a four-star recruit in 2024 and redshirted during his first season in Eugene before seeing action in 10 games as a redshirt freshman last season. At 6-foot-6 and 315 pounds, he has the prototypical frame to be a solid to above average left tackle. He has good flexibility for his size, an important aspect of his game considering he'll be going up against the top pass rushers in the Big Ten.

With Crader at the left tackle spot, the ceiling for the Ducks does not fall at all. Rather, it may just not be as high as it would be with Seaton — but, considering Oregon's overall roster, it's clear that with Crader, the Ducks are still well within the national title conversation and should be considered inner-circle favorites to win it all.

Over the last several years, Oregon fans have faced a dilemma when it comes to transfers and high school recruits. With Lanning and his staff recruiting at such a high level, fans have been pushing for the staff to play the blue-chip players, rather than bring in transfers every year. Now, without a transfer landing at LT, the Ducks will be forced to play the blue-chip players. Let's see how it goes.

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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Where Oregon's O-Line stands in wake of Jordan Seaton's decision

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