Brandon Finney Jr. named a semifinalist for Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award

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It’s hard to imagine a better true freshman campaign than the one that Brandon Finney Jr. is having this season. Amongst a loaded 2025 recruiting class for the Oregon Ducks that ranked third in the country, per 247 Sports, Finney has arguably stood out the most.

On the season, he’s totaled 15 tackles, four passes defensed and an interception that he returned for a crucial game-tying touchdown against the Indiana Hoosiers. While getting his hands on the ball that many times is impressive, it’s the finer stats that paint a more clear picture on the 6-foot-2, 203-pound cornerback’s impact this season.

Per data via TruMedia/PFF, Finney is tops in the Big Ten in both highest forced incompletion rate (28.6%) and fewest yards allowed per coverage snaps (0.20).

His play has earned him the recognition of being named a semifinalist for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award.

Two other fellow Big Ten players made the list, with Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin and Maryland edge Zahir Mathis also being honored.

Finney joins a trio of Ducks defenders who have been named semifinalists for their respective position specific awards: linebacker Bryce Boettcher (Butkus Award), safety Dillon Thieneman (Thorpe Award) and edge Matayo Uiagalelei (Lombardi Award).

The Oregon secondary is one of the best in the country, thanks in large part to the excellence and fast emergence of Finney — who deserves all the recognition coming his way.

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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Brandon Finney Jr. named a semifinalist for Freshman of the Year Award

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