INDIANAPOLIS — Kenyon Sadiq did not just run the 40-yard dash; he scorched the turf. The former tight end headlined the Oregon Ducks NFL Combine workouts by putting up eye-popping numbers that left pro scouts speechless. Sadiq racked up a staggering 26 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press—matching the raw strength of elite offensive tackles—and followed it up with a blazing 4.39-second sprint. This athletic explosion caps a massive 2025 season where he secured 51 receptions, 560 yards, and 8 touchdowns.
The latest episode of the Ducks Confidential podcast, hosted by Aaron Fentress and George Wrighster, broke down the Indianapolis tape. Sadiq cemented a likely first-round grade, but he was not the only Duck flying high. Safety Dillon Thieneman brought the heat. Thieneman tallied 96 tackles and 2 interceptions during his lone season in Eugene after transferring from Purdue, and his fluid hip movement in defensive drills proved his speed easily translates to the pro level. Wide receiver Malik Benson also turned heads. After jumping from junior college to Alabama, Florida State, and finally Oregon, Benson proved his 17.0 yards-per-catch average from 2025 was pure, unfiltered speed.
“I saw that Oregon’s really good at taking in transfers and developing them and transitioning them to the next level. And I mean this defense, they kind of set you up for that level.”
— Dillon Thieneman, Former Oregon Safety
The results from Indianapolis directly impact Oregon’s recruiting power. Head coach Dan Lanning and his staff can point to Sadiq, Thieneman, and Benson as living proof that Eugene produces NFL-ready talent. Back on campus, all eyes shift to Autzen Stadium. Spring football kicks off on March 12, bringing a fresh set of urgent storylines. The coaching staff must quickly reconstruct the offensive line to keep the pocket clean for the starting quarterback. They also need absolute clarity on wide receiver Evan Stewart, who missed the 2025 postseason with a back injury and faces a looming decision regarding his future. Defensively, the unit needs fresh vocal leaders to replace departing veterans. Lanning built a football machine, and the upcoming spring reps will dictate whether the 2026 roster can fuel another deep postseason run.
