The College Football Playoff is starting this weekend, and with it comes four high-powered matchups with eight of the best teams in the amateur landscape of football. Four teams received byes and get to enjoy these eight teams beating themselves up, but for NFL fans, it means you get to see these players for potentially the last time before they head to the NFL Draft.
With that in mind, we wanted to highlight some players that fans should be watching in the James Madison vs. Oregon matchup.
The matchup itself is not one that many fans are too excited about due to the disparity in talent on paper. However, every live dog that is in the fight has a chance, and James Madison will be playing with a chip on their shoulder. And while we admire their resolve heading into the game, we will be focusing on Oregon prospects.
With that in mind, here are five prospects from Oregon we will be watching this weekend.
Dantye Moore, Quarterback
There are not many quarterbacks who can pass for Michael Myers, but when you watch how methodical and emotionless Dante Moore is for the Ducks, you see it. When he does make a mistake, he doesn’t linger on it, and it allows him to make this offense come to life in a way that not many can. Look for Moore to pick James Madison in the middle of the field and outside the numbers as he trusts the speed of his skill players to lead them with his passes into open areas.
Kenyon Sadiq, Tight End
Speaking of speed, Kenyon Sadiq should be the main target of the Oregon offense today. His athleticism far exceeds that of anyone on James Madison’s side, and it allows Oregon to get creative with how it gets him the ball. Look for Moore to target him across the middle and watch him create after the catch with his speed and vision.
Emmanuel Pregnon, Guard
Oregon has three running backs who are leading rushers, each with between 6.1 and 8.2 yards per carry this season. A main reason they are able to do so well running the ball is their work in the middle of the offensive line, led by guard Emmanuel Pregnon. He has the strength to create running lanes, and he anchors well enough to be reliable in pass protection. Pregnon will be starting for one of the NFL’s 32 clubs in 2026 and for good reason.
A’Mauri Washington, Defensive Lineman
Just as Kenyon Sadiq is the top athlete on offense, A’Mauri Washington is the top on for the Ducks’ defense. Washington is not known for his pass rush, but he can surprise you with how quickly he can get ahead of offensive linemen and into the backfield. His main moneymaking trait is his run defense and containing runners as they try to break through. The James Madison offense relies on its rushing attack, so look for Washington to be a big difference maker.
Dillon Thieneman, Safety
One of my favorite defensive prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft may be Dillon Thieneman. If the Ducks’ defense needs a play made, he shows up. Excellent range in both the run and pass game, making him a unique weapon for a defensive coordinator to scheme with. Thieneman reminds me a lot of Harrison Smith for the Vikings in all that he does for the Ducks, and he will be a factor today and for the remainder of their playoff experience.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: NFL Draft prospects fans should look for in James Madison vs. Oregon
Reporting by Andrew Harbaugh, Buccaneers Wire / Bucs Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
