Oregon Ducks’ Matayo Uiagalelei Shines as Elite Pass Rusher
EUGENE, OR – Matayo Uiagalelei, outside linebacker for the Oregon Ducks, has emerged as one of college football’s premier pass rushers, leading the Big Ten with 10.5 sacks in the 2024 regular season. Despite initially being recruited as a tight end by USC Trojans’ head coach Lincoln Riley, Uiagalelei has made a significant impact on the defensive side of the ball.
In a recent appearance on the "Ducks of a Feather" podcast, hosted by Oregon legend Kenjon Barner, Uiagalelei shared insights about his recruiting journey. He recalled that USC was one of his top choices, particularly under Riley’s guidance, who indicated a strong desire to utilize him at tight end. However, driven by a passion for defense, Uiagalelei ultimately chose to commit to Oregon.
Ranked as the No. 5 player from California in the 2023 class, Uiagalelei faced early speculation about potentially playing tight end after joining the Ducks. He revealed he indeed played the position during his first spring practices due to injuries among Oregon’s tight ends, namely Terrance Ferguson and Patrick Herbert.
Uiagalelei also discussed his decision to join the Ducks, admitting that he was initially hesitant to visit. However, the sincerity of head coach Dan Lanning and defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi won him over. He praised their authenticity, saying, "They were just authentic to themselves," noting that they set the standard they expect from their players.
With his remarkable talent, Uiagalelei is poised to be a key player for Oregon in 2025 and is already being eyed as a potential first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. As he continues to excel in his role, the Ducks defense is sure to benefit from his explosive presence.
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