Consistency key for Oregon CB Brandon Finney to be 'best in country'

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It seemed as if there was a big defensive play to be made in the Orange Bowl against Texas Tech, Oregon Ducks freshman corner Brandon Finney was there.

Finney was named that game’s defensive Most Valuable Player with his two interceptions and a fumble recovery to help the Ducks move on to the semifinals of the College Football Playoff with the 23-0 win over the Red Raiders.

According to Oregon defensive coordinator Chris Hampton, Finney is about to explode onto the scene as one of the country’s best corners. He made an early name for himself in 2025 with his 42 tackles and three interceptions.

“I mean, he’s got a tremendously high ceiling. I think he could be a guy that’s one of the best in the country,” Hampton said in an exclusive interview with the Bleav in Oregon Podcast. “And I think he’s striving to be there. I really do. He’s got an extreme, extreme work ethic. This guy’s infatuated with the process. He works extremely hard. I think that he can just continue to be more consistent. I think that’s the biggest thing with him is being consistent each and every game. He’s working it there to dominate his opponent … each and every week.”

That consistency that Finney is working on can be seen in the final two games of the season last year. He had a big game against Texas Tech, but just had two tackles against Indiana in the Peach Bowl. But to be fair, most of the Ducks struggled in the loss to the eventual national champion Hoosiers. It wasn’t just Finney.

But that loss should be a learning opportunity for all of the defensive players in Oregon camp this year. You have to bring it each and every week, no matter the opponent or the situation. Finney could be one of those players who make a big jump from his freshman season to his sophomore year, and if that’s the case, good luck to the 12 quarterbacks scheduled to play the Ducks in 2026.

They’ll need it.

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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Oregon Ducks DC Chris Hampton details how Brandon Finney can improve

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