Oregon Ducks Face Competitive Cornerback Battle This Offseason

Defending the secondary will be a key focus as the Ducks aim for a College Football Playoff berth.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The Oregon Ducks return a strong defense in 2026, but have an open competition at cornerback opposite star Brandon Finney Jr. Ohio State transfer Aaron Scott Jr. will compete with incumbents Ify Obidegwu and Na'eem Offord for the starting job, as the Ducks look to solidify their secondary ahead of a potential playoff push.

Why it matters

Cornerback is a crucial position for Oregon's defense, which is expected to be one of the best in the country next season. Securing the starting spot opposite Finney will be key to the Ducks' success, as they aim to make a run at the College Football Playoff.

The details

Obidegwu and Finney were the starting cornerback duo as freshmen last season, with Obidegwu recording 24 tackles and one interception. However, the Ducks added a talented transfer in Scott, who was a five-star recruit at Ohio State but never fully broke through. Offord, another five-star signee, will also be in the mix. The competition will be fierce as the Ducks look to find the right combination in the secondary.

  • The cornerback position battle will heat up during spring practices in 2026.
  • The Ducks open the 2026 season on September 6th.

The players

Brandon Finney Jr.

A standout freshman cornerback for the Ducks in 2025, Finney is expected to anchor the secondary in 2026.

Ify Obidegwu

The other starting cornerback in 2025, Obidegwu will look to hold onto his job in the face of stiff competition.

Aaron Scott Jr.

A former five-star recruit at Ohio State, Scott transferred to Oregon this offseason and will compete for a starting role.

Na'eem Offord

A five-star recruit in Oregon's 2025 class, Offord will also be in the mix for playing time in the secondary.

Dan Lanning

The Ducks' head coach, Lanning will oversee the competitive cornerback battle as he looks to build Oregon into a playoff contender.

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What they’re saying

“Solidifying the secondary will be a key focus for us this offseason. We have some talented options, and I'm excited to see how the competition plays out.”

— Dan Lanning, Head Coach (si.com)

What’s next

The Ducks will hold spring practices in March and April to evaluate the cornerback competition, with the starting job likely to be decided during fall camp ahead of the season opener on September 6th.

The takeaway

Oregon's defense is poised to be one of the best in the country, but the battle at cornerback will be crucial to their success. The Ducks have several talented options, and the competition should bring out the best in the group as they look to solidify the secondary and make a playoff push.