It was a quiet week in Eugene, as the Oregon Ducks took Week 5 off and enjoyed a much-needed bye as they gear up for eight straight games to finish off the 2026 regular season. It was also a quiet week for former Ducks around college football.
Former Oregon safety Kingston Lopa had been the biggest standout thus far, as the now-California Golden Bear has totaled 20 solo tackles and a nation-leading five interceptions in four games played, including one returned for a touchdown. But suiting up for California's Week 5 game against UNLV proved to be a disappointment for Lopa, as he exited with an injury just three minutes into the first quarter. He didn't record any stats.
The Golden Bears, missing their star safety, went on to allow 39 points and
350 total yards in the one-score loss, failing to stop the Rebels on a pair of game-sealing touchdown drives in the second half.
Elsewhere in college football, it was a pair of former Oregon coordinators who stole the headline over outgoing transfers. We'll start with Will Stein and Tosh Lupoi this week, as both had potentially season-defining outcomes, before diving into the performances of former Duck players around the nation.
RB Makhi Hughes — Houston Cougars
The lead back for the Houston Cougars, Makhi Hughes had a down game on Saturday, producing just 27 yards on 10 carries. He did add two receptions for 19 yards in the 27-17 come-from-behind victory over the UCF Knights.
LB Keith Brown — Washington State Cougars
Keith Brown stood out for the Washington Cougars once again, totaling six tackles and a half tackle for loss in the team's 26-6 loss to Fresno State. Brown leads the defense with 30 tackles through five games.
CB Sione Laulea — Missouri Tigers
Operating in a starting role with the Missouri Tigers, cornerback Sione Laulea had five tackles, a half tackle for loss and a pass deflection in the Tigers' 45-17 upset win over the No. 8 Florida Gators. Missouri rose from No. 25 to No. 14 in the AP poll.
WR Cooper Perry — California Golden Bears
Cooper Perry saw his first extended action in a competitive game for the Golden Bears, catching three passes for 35 yards in the 39-31 loss to UNLV. He now has eight catches for 111 yards and a touchdown on the season.
HC Will Stein — Kentucky Wildcats
Ranked 24th in the AP poll, the Kentucky Wildcats led by former Oregon offensive coordinator Will Stein put together the largest comeback victory in program history, extinguishing a 17-0 deficit to win in overtime, 35-34. Stein opted to go for the two-point conversion after scoring in overtime, when quarterback Kenny Minchey found an open receiver in the back of the end zone for the win. Despite the road victory over South Carolina and a 4-1 record, Kentucky dropped out of the AP poll.
HC Tosh Lupoi — California Golden Bears
Former Oregon defensive coordinator and now-California head coach Tosh Lupoi is on the different side of the spectrum than Stein. The Golden Bears have stumbled to a 2-3 start and fell on the road to Group of Six UNLV, with the Rebels storming out to a 24-7 lead. Cal eventually came back and took the lead, 25-24, before the Rebels finished with a pair of fourth-quarter touchdowns. Lupoi has come under fire, especially with his offensive coordinator hiring of Jordan Somerville that has the Golden Bears ranking 82nd in the country in scoring.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: How Oregon Ducks transfers performed in Week 5 of the 2026 season
