Oregon Ducks outside linebacker Jaeden Moore officially entered the transfer portal on Monday night, as reported by On3. Moore, who redshirted during the 2023 season as a freshman, participated in five games for Oregon during the 2024 regular season. With three years of eligibility remaining, Moore’s decision to transfer will allow him to seek a new program for the remainder of his college career.
During the 2024 season, Moore recorded six total tackles, one of which was for a loss, and half a sack. Though his statistics may not have been extensive, Moore contributed valuable depth to the Ducks’ defense. His departure leaves Oregon’s defensive lineup with a hole to fill. This has raised questions about whether head coach Dan Lanning will look to the transfer portal for a replacement to maintain strength on the Ducks’ defense.
In terms of future recruits, Oregon signed two defensive linemen as part of their 2025 recruiting class: four-star Matthew Johnson and three-star Tobi Haastrup. These incoming players are expected to bolster the team’s defense, but Moore’s exit adds to the growing list of players leaving the program.
Moore is the sixth player to leave Oregon through the transfer portal, following offensive tackle JacQawn McRoy, safety Tyler Turner, cornerback Khamari Terrell, and pass rushers Jaxson Jones and Emar’rion Winston. While the Ducks have lost several players to the portal, head coach Dan Lanning has also utilized the portal effectively to strengthen his roster. For example, in December, Oregon received commitments from Purdue safety Dillon Thieneman and Northwestern cornerback Theran Johnson, both of whom are expected to enhance the Ducks’ secondary in the 2025 season.
Following the loss of three edge defenders, Oregon is expected to be particularly active in the transfer portal as they seek to strengthen their defense. The Ducks have had considerable success in bringing in key defensive players through the portal in the past. Players like Jordan Burch, Derrick Harmon, and Jamaree Caldwell transferred to Oregon and have become integral parts of the Ducks’ defensive scheme, with all three playing significant roles in the team’s push toward the College Football Playoff.
Lanning discussed his approach to recruitment and building a team during Early National Signing Day, emphasizing the importance of bringing in top-tier talent to Oregon. He stated, “We want to have the best and compete to be the best, right? So that’s our goal. You know, here personally, what’s our standard? To go get the best and to build the best class. And I’ve never been around a great coach that didn’t have great players. So this is where it starts.”
Oregon has been very successful in acquiring talent from the transfer portal. In 2023, the Ducks signed the No. 1 transfer portal class, according to 247Sports. Given the current turnover in the roster, Oregon will be looking to replicate that success in 2025, continuing to build a competitive team.
In addition to managing the transfer portal, Lanning and his staff are preparing for the Rose Bowl, where Oregon is set to play, although they do not yet know their opponent. The Ducks will face the winner of the upcoming game between Ohio State and Tennessee, with the Rose Bowl scheduled for New Year’s Day in Pasadena, California.
The combination of recent departures and incoming recruits, along with the Ducks’ ability to leverage the transfer portal, leaves Oregon in an interesting position as they head into the 2025 season. While Moore’s departure is a loss for the Ducks, the coaching staff’s proven ability to find impactful transfers may help them quickly address gaps in their defensive lineup. The Ducks’ continued success in recruiting, both from high school and through the transfer portal, positions them as one of the most competitive programs in college football as they aim for another successful season.
