After roughly two months of inactivity from the Oregon Ducks that came after a flurry of commitments via the transfer portal to rebuild the 2026-27 roster, head coach Dana Altman may be back at it. According to 247Sports’ Dushawn London, the Ducks have “zeroed in” on former Villanova Wildcats forward Duke Brennan, who recently graduated and is awaiting approval of his eligibility waiver.
Brennan began his career with the Arizona State Sun Devils, playing in all 36 games but averaging just 2.4 points. He then transferred to Grand Canyon, starting all 65 games in two seasons and averaging 10.4 points and 9.2 rebounds per game. For his senior season and what was believed to be his final season of eligibility, he joined the Villanova program, scoring a career-high 12.4 points and 10.3 rebounds while starting all 32 games for the Wildcats, who were defeated in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
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As is the state of college sports in 2026, Brennan is fighting for his eligibility despite suiting up and making three appearances for the Brooklyn Nets‘ NBA Summer League squad last week.
He went undrafted in the 2026 NBA Draft, yet is trying to return to college basketball via the newly implemented “five-for-five” rule — though it was not supposed to come into effect with the current graduating class of seniors.
Regardless of the confusing, somewhat unethical way of attempting a return to college basketball (though Brennan is far from alone, as dozens of players are awaiting the exact same eligibility ruling), the Ducks would benefit greatly from his presence next season.
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Brennan proved that he’s a reliable double-double machine on an NCAA tournament team, a goal that feels attainable for Oregon in 2026-27. After posting just 12 wins last year, the lowest win total for the program in nearly two decades, Altman and his staff got to work in the portal, adding eight transfers ranging from talented former blue-chippers to accomplished veterans finishing out their eligibility.
There’s truly no telling how this situation will play out regarding Brennan’s eligibility, and it puts purist fans in a tough spot, but one thing is certain: Oregon would be a better team next year with Brennan on the roster. Only time will tell if he’s actually allowed to do so.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Oregon reportedly targeting former Villanova forward Duke Brennan
