If Oregon lands Jayden Woods, expect an immediate pass-rush upgrade — bettors may shorten Oregon's futures, trim opponent scoring expectations, or target Woods' player-prop sack totals and win-total markets for 2026.
Oregon Eyes Transfer Edge Jayden Woods
Oregon has reached out regarding the availability of true freshman edge rusher Jayden Woods, who entered the transfer portal after Florida's head-coach turnover. Other programs showing interest include Texas, Texas A&M, Missouri and Ohio State. A return to Gainesville remains a possibility for Woods amid the shuffle.
Player Profile and 2025 Production
Woods, a 6-3, 250-pound four-star, finished the 2025 season with 27 tackles (11 solo, 16 assisted), 3.5 sacks, one interception, one forced fumble and one pass deflection. Mostly a rotational player who started twice, he earned All-SEC Freshman honors and is widely regarded as one of the top edge options in the portal.
Coaching and Roster Context
Staff movement and uncertainty on the defensive staff have created an opening for portal activity. Oregon is balancing defensive continuity with the need to add veteran pass-rush help, which explains the interest in a high-upside freshman like Woods.
Which Ducks Are Returning for 2026?
Key veteran contributors expected back include redshirt junior defensive lineman Bear Alexander, who announced his return and will serve as a veteran presence. Junior linebacker Jerry Mixon is positioned to emerge nationally. After breakout seasons, redshirt freshman defensive end Aaron Flowers and freshman defensive back Brandon Finney Jr. look to be cornerstones of the Ducks' defense. Questions remain over returns from junior defensive back Dillon Thieneman, junior outside linebackers Teitum Tuioti and Matayo Uiagalelei, and junior defensive lineman A'Mauri Washington.
Draft Timeline and Transfer Deadlines
Players on College Football Playoff teams have until Jan. 23 — four days after the national championship — to declare for the NFL Draft, a deadline that will shape portal activity and roster decisions.
Quarterback Picture and Portal Options
Oregon has been connected to Arizona State redshirt sophomore quarterback Sam Leavitt, a West Linn native who earned Big 12 freshman/newcomer honors in 2024. Any pursuit of a portal quarterback hinges on redshirt sophomore Dante Moore's NFL decision. Moore and Indiana's Fernando Mendoza are widely viewed as top prospects for the 2026 draft and will meet Jan. 9 in the Peach Bowl at 4:30 p.m. PT, a game that could significantly influence pre-draft evaluations.
College football chaos as $3m Patrick Mahomes doppelganger makes huge decision on future
The transfer portal opened up back on Jan. 2, and the Oregon Ducks are putting out fliers across the country. One name to monitor on the edge is Florida Gators true freshman Jayden Woods out of the SEC.
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