Oregon's Brandon Finney Jr. Praises Talented Freshmen DBs

Standout cornerback highlights the potential of Ducks' young defensive backs ahead of 2026 season.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 1:04am by Ben Kaplan

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting an Oregon Ducks defensive back making an interception, with sharp planes of green, yellow, and blue representing the explosive energy and potential of the team's young secondary.Oregon's talented young defensive backs are poised to make a major impact in 2026, with their raw athleticism and potential captured in a cubist-inspired illustration.Eugene Today

Oregon Ducks cornerback Brandon Finney Jr., a standout performer in 2025, is excited about the influx of talented young defensive backs joining the program. In a recent media session, Finney highlighted the potential of freshmen like safety Jett Washington, cornerback Davon Benjamin, and safeties Xavier Lherisse and Devin Jackson, praising their focus, intelligence, and early performances in spring practice.

Why it matters

The Oregon defense was a strength of the team in 2025, and Finney's comments suggest the Ducks' secondary could be even better in 2026 with the arrival of this highly touted freshman class. Their development will be crucial as Oregon looks to build on last season's success and compete for a Pac-12 title.

The details

Finney, who had seven pass deflections and three interceptions as a freshman, is now viewed as one of the leaders of the Oregon defense. He praised the focus and intelligence of the new defensive backs, singling out Jett Washington, Davon Benjamin, Xavier Lherisse, and Devin Jackson as players who have impressed in spring practice. Washington, a highly ranked safety recruit, is expected to contribute immediately with his size and skill set. Benjamin, a cornerback, has also drawn praise for his early performances, while Lherisse and Jackson will work at the safety positions and could see significant playing time as well.

  • Finney made his comments following Oregon's spring practice sessions in 2026.

The players

Brandon Finney Jr.

A standout cornerback for the Oregon Ducks, Finney had a strong freshman season in 2025 with seven pass deflections and three interceptions.

Jett Washington

A highly ranked safety recruit in the class of 2023, Washington is expected to contribute immediately for the Ducks with his size and skill set.

Davon Benjamin

A cornerback recruit who has impressed in spring practice and is expected to see the field early in his Oregon career.

Xavier Lherisse

A safety prospect who will work with the Ducks' defensive backs and could earn playing time as a freshman.

Devin Jackson

Another safety recruit who will join the Oregon secondary and is viewed as a future contributor for the Ducks.

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What they’re saying

“Jett (Washington) is definitely a kid who is focused. He is a kid who is going to give his best out on the field, and he is a really smart kid, too. I feel like all of the younger guys have really displayed that. Like DB Davon (Benjamin), he's been doing a great job. Xavier Lherisse he's been doing a great job. DJ (Devin Jackson), he's been doing a great job. All of the young DBs have been doing really good.”

— Brandon Finney Jr., Oregon Ducks Cornerback

What’s next

The Ducks will continue to monitor the progress of their talented freshman defensive backs throughout the remainder of spring practice and into fall camp as they prepare for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Oregon's secondary appears poised to be a strength of the team in 2026, with the arrival of a highly touted freshman class complementing the return of standout cornerback Brandon Finney Jr. The development of these young defensive backs will be crucial as the Ducks look to build on their success from last season and compete for a Pac-12 championship.