Oregon Freshman Could Become Touchdown Machine

Kenyon Sadiq had an impressive final year at Oregon, and the team needs a new player to step up this fall to replace the first-round pick. 

Sadiq had a breakout year in 2025, recording 42 receptions for 509 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns. 

The Ducks are expected to lean on receivers Dakorien Moore and Evan Stewart in the upcoming season, but tight ends Jamari Johnson and freshman Kendre' Harrison could become a key part of the offense now that Sadiq is in the NFL.

Billy Tucker of ESPN ranked Harrison as the No. 87 newcomer in college football this offseason. He thinks the freshman tight end will give the Ducks an "athletic option" as a target this fall.

"Oregon lost a key player at tight end in Kenyon Sadiq, who was selected No. 16 in the NFL draft," Tucker wrote. "Though returning tight end Jamari Johnson provides stability after tallying 510 receiving yards and three touchdowns in 2025, Oregon also added the five-star Harrison, the No. 15 overall player in the 2026 recruiting class. 

"Harrison, a two-sport star, gives the Ducks another high-upside and highly athletic option at a position of need entering the season."

As a basketball athlete, the six-foot-six, 250-pound tight end is expected to become a threat in the red zone, and could be up for 50-50 balls from quarterback Dante Moore in the end zone, giving Oregon a touchdown machine this fall.

"A dual-sport athlete and ranked basketball prospect, Harrison brings a rare blend of size and athleticism," Tucker wrote. "Even as an early enrollee, he stood out physically at Oregon's spring game. On tape, he is a long strider who is deceptively fast for his size. 

"He can high point the football effectively and create production after the catch. Though still developing and needing to adjust to the physicality of the college level, he projects as a major red zone option who can box out defenders on jump balls as if he is back on the hardwood."

Harrison will need some time to grow during his freshman season, but there is a hope that he'll become much more of a lethal presence by the time the CFP rolls around.

That's when the Ducks will need someone to step up and get into the end zone.