5 Takeaways From Football's Spring Game

EUGENE, Ore. — Dan Lanning had barely settled into his chair for a press conference following Saturday's Spring Game for the UO football program when he sought an update on the NFL Draft.

When the Spring Game had ended moments earlier, the Ducks were at nine players selected in this weekend's draft, a school record. Then, between the time Lanning left Autzen Stadium and got to his press conference in the Hatfield-Dowlin Complex, receiver Tez Johnson had been selected.

"What are we sitting at now, 10?" Lanning asked the room full of reporters. "Pretty awesome."

Lanning had begun his press conference with a shoutout to the Oregon softball team, which clinched a series win at Indiana earlier Saturday, and is in the driver's seat for the Big Ten title. He also lauded the UO baseball team, which later Saturday would look to follow up its win Friday night over rival Oregon State.

And of course, he was highly appreciative of the fans who had packed Autzen for the Spring Game.

"Awesome day to be a Duck," the UO coach said. "A lot of fun to experience the atmosphere this place creates."

Those fans filled the stadium looking to get a preview of the 2025 Oregon football team. Listed below are a few of the highlights they took in.

The tight end room has a new leader: Kenyon Sadiq announced himself to the college football world by a hurdling a defender in last season's Big Ten Championship Game win over Penn State. But the end of this year, he might be known for a whole lot more.

A day after 2024 starting tight end Terrance Ferguson was one of those 10 drafted Ducks, Sadiq was one of the offensive standouts Saturday. The very first play for the Combat Ducks team was a 25-yard catch-and-run by Sadiq from Dante Moore, and the rising junior would finish with seven receptions for 102 yards.

"This is a guy that's constantly improved, that's worked really, really hard," Lanning said.

With Sadiq looking ready to stretch the field like Ferguson did, the Ducks also look like they have some tight ends ready to replace Patrick Herbert and his toughness. Transfer Jamari Johnson and freshman Vander Ploog each made tough catches over the middle Saturday.

Defensive edges are very deep: The Ducks returned two elite pass rushers this year in Matayo Uiagalelei and Teitum Tuioti. There's talent in reserve behind them, Saturday showed.

Elijah Rushing, who redshirted last season after being an elite recruit out of high school, had the first sack of the Spring Game, midway through the second quarter. Later Blake Purchase notched a couple of sacks, and he then added a scoop-and-score touchdown just after halftime.

"If he continues that growth this summer," Lanning said, "he's going to be in impact guy for us."

Development remains a priority: Purchase's fumble return came on a loose ball caused by defensive back Ify Obidegwu, one of a number of second-year Ducks who redshirted a year ago and showed signs of progress Saturday.

Luke Moga looked dynamic at quarterback, and Jericho Johnson was a force in the middle of the defensive line. Rushing made his presence known on the edge, and Dillon Gresham was a consistent playmaker, including on a 57-yard touchdown reception late in the Spring Game.

Player movement gets a lot of attention these days in college football. But developing young, returning talent remains a priority for the Ducks.

"This program's about growth," Lanning said. "I think we've seen a lot of guys take big steps this offseason. But there's a lot of room for improvement, on both sides of the ball."

There's talent aplenty on the back end: In terms of player development, it will be fun to track the growth of Oregon's young talent in the secondary, after it shined Saturday. Freshmen Trey McNutt and Na'eem Offord each had a pass breakup in the end zone, and junior Jahlil Florence did as well as he makes his way back from injury.

Oregon has been highly successful implementing talent from the transfer portal on the back end in recent years, including one of Saturday's honorary captains, Christian Gonzalez. The coaching staff brought in more veterans to compete for roles this season, but the young guys weren't about to let themselves be overlooked Saturday.

Summer isn't the time for a vacation: The Ducks will hold their next formal practice when preseason camp begins prior to the fall. But as Lanning said Saturday, progress can't pause until then.

Players can still work on their strength and speed, and hone their communication in meetings and workouts. And the Spring Game showed areas for growth, including in the punting game and with a missed field goal — though the placekickers also successfully converted a couple of long field goals.

"We've been more consistent (in the punting game this spring); it didn't show up today," Lanning said. "… On the same note, seeing us hit some big field goals like that, big kicks from those guys, that was great to see."