Why Oregon Ducks' 2025 Recruiting Class Boosts College Football Playoff Hopes

Lanning said during a media availability session this week that cornerback Brandon Finney Jr. earned the starting job through the work he put in during the offseason despite not being an early enrollee.

"This guy grinds, right? I mean, he's mature beyond his years. As far as how much time does it take to be great, like he puts in the time. He's one of the first in the building every morning. He's watching extra film. He's early to practice to get a warm up, right? He's gonna do the extra and because he does the extra and then executes at a high level, it's allowed him to be successful out there," Lanning said.

Finney signed to Oregon as the No. 8 cornerback and No. 47 player in the country according to 247Sports' rankings.

In his first start, Finney performed admirably and finished the game with two tackles. He wasn't the only true freshman to start as wide receiver Dakorien Moore also cracked the starting lineup.

Moore's debut had three catches for 26 yards. He also handled two carries for 17 yards, showing off his positional versatility. He is the third-highest signee in program history for the Ducks and has had high expecations since his arrivial this offseason.

Contributors Everywhere

On the defensive side of the ball, the Ducks had four true freshmen, including Finney, record a tackle in the win.

Linebacker Nasir Wyatt led the way with two tackles and a sack in his season debut. Finney wasn't the only freshmen defensive back to make his debut in the season opener. Na'eem Offord also registered two tackles. Edge rusher Matthew Johnson got in on the action and accumulated one tackle.

Offensively, wide receiver Cooper Perry had one catch for six yards. Running backs Jordon Davison and Dierre Hill Jr. shined during their limited action. Davison ended his night with six carries for 26 yards and three touchdowns. Hill had five carries for 48 yards.

What To Expect Moving Forward

Moore and Finney Jr. will look to establish themselves as viable starters in this weekend's matchup with Oklahoma State. The Cowboys have more talent on both sides of the ball, giving the two freshmen starters a solid look in their second start of the season.

It's hard to foresee another game where a sizable amount of true freshmen play again unless the Ducks are blowing their opponent out of the water. However, with the amount of talent they brought in from the 2025 recruiting cycle, Oregon's coaching staff could see a few more early contributors sooner rather than later.