4 Oregon Ducks Shine at NFL Combine

Top prospects from the Ducks' back-to-back 13-win seasons impress with elite athletic testing.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 5:55am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting the athletic movements and competition of Oregon Ducks football players at the NFL Combine, with sharp, overlapping planes of bright green and yellow colors.Oregon Ducks stars shine at the NFL Combine, boosting their draft stock ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.Indianapolis Today

The NFL Scouting Combine is a crucial event for prospects, offering a chance to shine and increase their draft value. Following two consecutive 13-win seasons under Coach Dan Lanning, the Oregon Ducks sent nine players to Indianapolis, with eight participating in various on-field evaluations. Among them, four Ducks left a lasting impression, boosting their draft prospects significantly.

Why it matters

The Combine is a high-stakes event that can dramatically impact a player's draft position and future NFL opportunities. Strong performances by Oregon's top prospects demonstrate the program's ability to develop elite talent and highlight the Ducks as a consistent pipeline for NFL-caliber players.

The details

Safety Dillon Thieneman impressed with a 4.35-second 40-yard dash and elite jumping numbers, showcasing his speed, agility, and explosiveness. Tight end Kenyon Sadiq solidified his status as the top prospect at his position, running a blazing 4.39-second 40-yard dash - the fastest ever by a tight end. Wide receiver Malik Benson, a former junior college standout, validated his reputation for elite speed with a 4.37-second 40. Offensive guard Emmanuel Pregnon, a transfer from USC, measured in as a hulking 6'4", 340-pound mauler.

  • The NFL Scouting Combine took place in Indianapolis from March 2-5, 2026.

The players

Dillon Thieneman

A versatile defensive back who transferred from Purdue, Thieneman showcased his speed, agility, and explosiveness with a 4.35-second 40-yard dash, 41-inch vertical jump, and 10'5" broad jump.

Kenyon Sadiq

The top tight end prospect, Sadiq ran a blazing 4.39-second 40-yard dash, the fastest ever recorded by a tight end, and matched the top speed of Detroit Lions' Jahmyr Gibbs at 23.24 mph.

Malik Benson

A former top junior college receiver, Benson validated his reputation for elite speed with a 4.37-second 40-yard dash, making him an attractive deep threat option for teams on Day 3 of the draft.

Emmanuel Pregnon

The hulking 6'4", 340-pound offensive guard transferred from USC and was the backbone of the Ducks' offensive line in 2025.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Dillon Thieneman's elite athletic testing at the Combine really solidified his status as a potential first-round pick. His versatility and playmaking ability are going to be highly coveted by NFL teams.”

— Todd McShay, ESPN Draft Analyst

“Kenyon Sadiq is a true unicorn at the tight end position. His combination of size, speed, and power is going to make him a nightmare matchup for defenses at the next level.”

— Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Network Analyst

What’s next

The 2026 NFL Draft will take place from April 24-26 in Las Vegas, Nevada, where these Oregon prospects will look to hear their names called early.

The takeaway

The strong performances by Oregon's top prospects at the NFL Combine showcase the Ducks' ability to develop elite talent and maintain their status as a consistent pipeline for NFL-caliber players, further enhancing the program's reputation and recruiting power.