Oregon Ducks freshmen make impact felt early in opener

The Oregon Ducks combined recruiting class and transfer haul was rated No. 1 in the country by recruiting services.

Dan Lanning’s traditional 2025 recruiting class finished No. 3 overall, but was No. 1 in terms of rating per commit.

But how long before the Ducks would feel that impact on the depth chart?

Turns out, the freshmen were ready to hit the group running.

Several true freshmen made plays in Oregon’s dominant 38-3 first-half showing against Montana State.

Wide receiver Dakorien Moore, the nation’s No. 1 wide receiver, tallied two carries for 16 yards and two receptions for 20 yards, including an impressive series of juke moves and an eye-opening hurdle.

Redshirt freshman Ify Obidegwu, who has generated significant buzz all offseason, had a big tackle and pass break-up in the game’s opening series. 

Fellow redshirt freshman Aaron Flowers also popped on the field in coverage. 

True freshmen corners Na’eem Offord and Brandon Finney Jr. each looked sticky in coverage and popped on-screen as defensive backs with NFL builds.

During the Big Ten Network broadcast, te announcers said Finney drew praise from the coaching staff as one of the hardest workers on the team, behind All-American transfer Dillon Thieneman. 

Both freshmen running backs Jordon Davison and Dierre Hill have drawn praise from the coaching staff, but it was Davison who got the first look in the backfield.

The Mater Dei graduate scored a short touchdown, while Hill provided good field position on a kickoff return before the half, which led to a scoring drive. 

Four drives, four scores 😤@oregonfootball freshman Jordon Davison picks up his first collegiate TD.

📺: @bigtennetwork pic.twitter.com/1Ts3PzQPuR

— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) August 30, 2025

In all, Oregon scored six times in its six drives during the opening half – with quarterback Dante Moore 13-of-18 for 140 yards and two touchdowns, one each to Kenyon Sadiq and Malik Benson.

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