Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning hasn’t been shy in giving true freshman playing time in 2025. He’s repeatedly preached that if they’re good enough, they’re old enough — regardless of class status.
Having brought in the No. 2 recruiting class for 2026 according to 247 Sports, expect more true freshman to contribute next season. What specific players those are remains to be seen.
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On Tuesday, a panel of ESPN college football and recruiting analysts consisting of Craig Haubert, Eli Lederman and Tom Luginbill put together a list of the most impactful 2026 recruit for every Power 4 program. Their pick for the Ducks? Five-star tight end Kendre Harrison.
Tight end has been one of Oregon’s many strengths this season, with Kenyon Sadiq claiming Big Ten Tight End of the Year award and being named a finalist for the Mackey Award. Jamari Johnson, a redshirt sophomore who transferred from Louisville, has also had a significant impact, finishing fifth on the team in catches and receiving yards.
With Sadiq potentially turning pro as a projected first-round pick once the 2025 season is over, there will be a void that Harrison could fill alongside Johnson.
“Sadiq’s departure would leave Oregon with Jamari Johnson and Roger Saleapaga as the program’s primary tight end returns in 2026,” the article read. “Harrison’s arrival presents the potentially intriguing prospect of him pairing with Johnson in two-tight end sets. But on his own, Harrison will certainly offer coach Dan Lanning & Co. a difference-maker in the passing game within a program that hasn’t been shy about playing true freshmen in recent seasons.”
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What makes Harrison a five-star is that he has the complete package, being able to use his large frame to block and athletic ability to make plays in the receiving game.
“Harrison, who heads to Oregon at 6-foot-7, 243 pounds, intends to play both football and basketball with the Ducks,” the article read. “On a football field, Harrison is a physically imposing blocker with vertical ability and downfield speed to create mismatches with opposing defenses. Harrison blends his size and quickness with a unique catch radius that makes him particularly dangerous in the red zone, and he plays with a mean streak that suggests he’ll be ready for the challenge of Big Ten football next fall.”
We’ve seen the impact that true freshman have had as the Ducks prepare to face James Madison in the 5-12 game in the College Football Playoff. Each of cornerback Brandon Finney Jr., wide receiver Dakorien Moore and running backs Jordon Davison and Dierre Hill Jr. have carved out impactful roles for Oregon this season.
In Harrison and others as part of the talented incoming Ducks class in 2026, we may see more of the same next season and beyond.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: TE Kendre Harrison named ESPN’s most impactful 2026 recruit for Ducks
