The Oregon Ducks are gearing up to make some serious noise this 2025 season. And you’ve got good reason to be excited. Eugene is buzzing with energy as the program welcomes a mix of impactful transfers like Makhi Hughes, Emmanuel Pregnon, and Dillon Thieneman, who are ready to stake their claim. With Dan Lanning’s deep and versatile roster that blends experience and potential, the Ducks look positioned to mix it up at the top of the Big 10 again. And possibly make a bigger splash nationally.
Among the faces attracting plenty of buzz is Isaiah World, an imposing 6-foot-8, 318-pound offensive tackle who transferred in from Nevada. This isn’t your regular big body joining the line. Isaiah has quickly emerged as a vital piece of Oregon’s offensive puzzle. Taking over the left tackle role, he’s tasked with protecting the quarterback’s blind side, a job that requires not just size but exceptional technique and mental acuity. His arrival raises expectations because, frankly, he’s the kind of player who has scouts and fans alike envisioning future NFL potential.
One NFL scout put Isaiah’s talent into perspective, saying, “We literally just saw a tackle go from the Mountain West to the Big Ten and be drafted in the first round [Josh Simmons], and I believe this dude has even more upside.” That’s high praise, especially given how Simmons’ transition was already impressive. Last season at Nevada, World allowed just five pressures and didn’t allow even a single sack. Those numbers tell you he’s a solid pass protector who rarely lets defenders disrupt the play. Isaiah’s footwork, length, and strength make him a challenging matchup for any defender. Of course, it’s not all perfect; he did rack up eight penalties last year, including five for holding, signaling that discipline and control are growth areas this season.
What’s really compelling about Isaiah is that he’s the kind of player who blends natural physical tools with a serious work ethic and adaptability. His background in basketball has given him agility and balance unusual for a man his size, helping him to mirror speedy edge rushers and recover with poise. ESPN even went so far as to declare that World has a chance to be the No.1 draft pick in 2026, although the chance is around 1%.
ESPN writer Jordan Reid said, “World is the ultimate wild card in this exercise, as the 6-foot-8, 312-pound tackle is stepping up in competition after transferring from Nevada this offseason, but his traits are outstanding. World is an above-average athlete and has foot quickness that is among the best of any blocker in the 2026 class.” Facing elite pass rushers like Matayo Uiagalelei in practice has forced World to sharpen his technique and mental approach. This transition phase is crucial; his development in Eugene will determine whether he can become a dominant force and a highly regarded NFL prospect.
As Oregon eyes pivotal games ahead, most notably the road date against Penn State on September 27, World’s role becomes even more critical. The Ducks’ offense relies heavily on their protection upfront, especially with Dante Moore being inexperienced as of now. If Isaiah can rise to the occasion, minimize penalties, and keep defenders at bay, the offense could flourish in some of Oregon’s toughest tests.
A potential record-breaking draft class is in the making
The Oregon Ducks are gearing up to send one of their most talented and deepest draft classes to the NFL in 2026. With a mix of high-end prospects, impactful transfers, and rising stars, this class could be bigger than anything Ducks Nation has seen before. The buzz is real as scouts and analysts start eyeing not only first-round potentials but also multiple Day 2 and Day 3 candidates who could shape NFL rosters for years.
Leading this surge is offensive tackle Isaiah World, an imposing athlete who combines remarkable agility with technical prowess. His exceptional skills in both pass protection and run blocking have caught the eye of scouts, positioning him as a potential first-round pick and a future cornerstone on an NFL offensive line for years to come. But he’s far from alone. The Ducks have several other prospects with solid draft grades, including linebacker Bryce Boettcher, who is steadily climbing from Day 3 grades and could surprise many with his impact at the next level. Defensive stars like Matayo Uiagalelei and safety Dillon Thieneman add serious firepower to the class, each with attributes that NFL teams covet: speed, instincts, and playmaking ability.
What’s exciting about Oregon’s 2026 draft class is the variety and depth. This group includes dynamic transfers like Emmanuel Pregnon and Alex Harkey, who bring experience and readiness that can attract mid-to-late-round attention. Tight end Kenyon Sadiq, set to take a major role this season, is another player with first-round upside thanks to his receiving skills and athleticism. With potentially four first-rounders and a dozen total draft prospects, Ducks Nation might witness a new chapter where Oregon consistently churns out NFL-ready talent. For fans keeping tabs on the NFL draft, this class promises plenty of intrigue and excitement as 2026 approaches.
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