Oregon, Dan Lanning Dealt TE Blow After College Football Season

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Oregon, Dan Lanning Dealt TE Blow After College Football Season

While prospects who have completed their years of collegiate eligibility do not have to apply for the NFL draft, underclassmen have to do so by Wednesday unless they are involved in the CFP National Championship game.

Oregon Ducks tight end Kenyon Sadiq, who just completed his junior season in Eugene, made his decision on Tuesday and declared for the 2026 NFL Draft, ending his college career after a standout 2025 season.

The move follows the Ducks’ College Football Playoff semifinal loss to the Indiana Hoosiers on Saturday, in which Sadiq hauled in five receptions for 29 yards.

Sadiq is currently ranked as the No. 1 tight end and No. 10 overall prospect on ESPN analyst Mel Kiper’s big board, making his move from the collegiate ranks to the pros a huge blow for Oregon’s 2026 outlook.

The 6-foot-3, 245-pound All-American led all FBS tight ends in touchdown receptions this season with eight and there shouldn’t be much debate about his status as the best-available player at his position entering the draft.

Sadiq finished the year appearing in 14 games while racking up 51 catches for 560 yards, all serving as Oregon’s second-leading receiver. Sadiq leaves Eugene with 80 career receptions, 892 yards and 11 touchdowns, having played 14 games each of his three years with the Ducks.

The tight end had a few big performances in 2025, including scoring two touchdowns against USC and at Rugers, and posting a season-high 96 yards against Minnesota.

Sadiq also scored in the 2024 Big Ten Championship Game against Penn State, finishing that outing with an uber-efficient two-reception, 30-yard, two-touchdown stat line.

Oregon Ducks tight end Kenyon Sadiq (18) celebrates after scoring a touchdown.Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Even though losing such a talented player will never be good news, the Ducks have contingency plans in place.

Junior tight end Jamari Johnson is expected to return next season and take on the lead role at the position after posting 510 yards and three touchdowns on 32 receptions last season.

Oregon also added Penn State transfer Andrew Olesh, a top-50 overall player from the 2025 class, and signed top-ranked (and No. 18 overall) freshman TE Kendre Harrison off the 2026 high school class.

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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jan 14, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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