The Oregon Ducks came away with a thrilling 30-24 victory over the Penn State Nittany Lions in Week 5, establishing themselves as one of the top teams in the country and displaying their impressive depth and talent along the way.
As what comes with road games, the roster is limited to 74 travel players in the Big Ten. For the Ducks, that meant making several tough decisions — especially at the running back position, which had routinely featured seven running backs receiving carries through the first four games.
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While the depth hasn’t quite been utilized in that way in the past, head coach Dan Lanning is no stranger to seeing players exit for bigger roles or what they believe is a better opportunity elsewhere.
In 2025, there are several big names making plays for their respective programs — none bigger than Cal true freshman quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, who once again stood out as the best performing former Duck in Week 5.
QB Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele
Sep 13, 2025; Berkeley, California, USA; California Golden Bears quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele (3) rolls out to pass against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the fourth quarter at California Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images
Sagapolutele completed 22 of 34 passes for 254 yards and two touchdowns and one interception in Cal’s 28-24 win over Boston College.
LB Emar’rion Winston
Oct 4, 2024; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks linebacker Emar’rion Winston (32) breaks away from Michigan State Spartans offensive lineman Brandon Baldwin (53) during the second half at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
Winston finished with three total tackles, two of which solo, in Baylor’s 45-27 victory over Oklahoma State.
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DB Cole Martin
Aug 30, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins defensive back Cole Martin (21) is brought down by Utah Utes cornerback Jason Stokes Jr. (13) during the second half at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Martin stood out in UCLA’s loss to Northwestern, recording nine total tackles (three solo) and a tackle for loss.
DB Rodrick Pleasant
Dec 30, 2024; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive back Rodrick Pleasant (16) poses during Rose Bowl media day at Sheraton Grand LA. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Pleasant amassed five total tackles, four solo, and 0.5 tackles for loss in UCLA’s 17-14 loss to Northwestern.
DB Tyler Turner
Aug 29, 2025; Waco, Texas, USA; Auburn Tigers quarterback Jackson Arnold (11) runs the ball as Baylor Bears safety Tyler Turner (17) defends during the first half at McLane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images
Turner totaled four tackles (three solo) in Baylor’s comfortable win over Oklahoma State.
RB Dante Dowdell
Aug 30, 2025; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats running back Dante Dowdell (2) runs the ball against Toledo Rockets safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (7) during the third quarter at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images
Dowdell carried the ball 13 times for 24 yards in Kentucky’s 35-13 loss to South Carolina.
DL Anthony Jones
Mar 22, 2025; Lexington, KY, USA; The UCLA Bruins mascot cheers during the first half of the game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the UCLA Bruins in the second round of the NCAA Tournament at Rupp Arena. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images
Jones finished with three total tackles, a half sack and a tackle for loss in UCLA’s road loss to Northwestern.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: How former Oregon Ducks fared in Week 5 of the 2025 season
