The Oregon Ducks have been a hub for talented recruits in the Dan Lanning era, reeling in some of the top recruiting classes in the country over the past few years. What that results in — especially with the Ducks also bringing in top transfer portal classes — is overcrowding in certain position rooms. There’s only one ball on the field and a limited amount of rotations that can be made during a game to keep everyone happy.
Oftentimes, if a player isn’t happy in the NIL and transfer portal era of college football, they depart via the portal. Nothing wrong about it; sometimes, a player needs a change of scenery to reach their full potential.
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This season, there’s at least 10 players performing in impact roles for programs across the country who were, at some point in their career, in the Oregon program.
In this piece, we highlighted former Ducks who had an impact in Week 1 with their respective program, beginning with a high-profile quarterback recruit who put on a show in nearby Corvallis against Oregon State.
QB Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele
Aug 30, 2025; Corvallis, Oregon, USA; California Golden Bears quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele (3) throws the ball during the first quarter against the Oregon State Beavers at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images
Sagapolutele completed 20 of 30 passes for 234 yards and three touchdowns with 30 rushing yards in Cal’s 34-15 victory at Oregon State.
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 totaled one tackle in Baylor‘s 38-24 loss to Auburn.
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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 registered two tackles and one pass defensed in UCLA’s 43-10 loss to Utah.
DB Tyler Turner
Aug 29, 2025; Waco, Texas, USA; Auburn Tigers quarterback Jackson Arnold (11) looks to pass as Baylor Bears safety Tyler Turner (17) gives chase during the first half at McLane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images
Turner finished with one solo tackle in Baylor’s loss to Auburn.
DB Collin Gill
Oregon running back Jayden Limar, left, and defensive back Collin Gill work out with the Ducks during practice Friday, Aug. 18, 2023, in Eugene, Ore.
Gill had five tackles (three solo) in Charlotte 34-11 loss to Appalachian State.
DB Kodi DeCambra
Oregon defensive back Kodi DeCambra tackles running back Ellis Bynum during a practice Tuesday, April 4, 2023. Football Oregon Spring Footballoregon
DeCambra totaled two solo tackles in UNLV’s 38-21 victory over Sam Houston State.
DB Cole Martin
Oregon Ducks vs. Washington State Cougars (Cole Martin) (Photo Courtesy of Ethan Landa)
Martin registered six tackles (three solo) in UCLA’s loss to Utah.
RB Dante Dowdell
Oregon running back Dante Dowdell carries the ball as the Oregon Ducks host Portland State in the Ducks’ season opener Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore.
Dowdell carried the ball 14 times for 129 yards and a touchdown in Kentucky’s 24-16 win over Toledo.
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 came away with five tackles (four solo) in the Bruins’ loss to the Utes.
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DB Jalil Tucker
Oregon State’s Jalil Tucker, right, prevents Mark Hamper from the catching the pass during an NCAA football game against California at Reser Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, in Corvallis, Ore.
Tucker registered three tackles (two solo) and a pass defensed in Oregon State’s loss to Cal.
RB Byron Cardwell Jr.
Sep 10, 2022; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks running back Byron Cardwell (21) stiff arms Eastern Washington Eagles defensive back Ely Doyle (25) during the second half at Autzen Stadium. The Ducks won 70-14. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
Cardwell carried the ball seven times for 28 yards in San Diego State’s 42-0 shutout of Stonybrook.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: How former Ducks fared in Week 1 of the 2024 college football season
