While the Oregon Ducks didn't prevail in Week 2 of the 2026 college football season, there were plenty of Ducks that played at a high level in the NFL, representing the program extremely well.
Since Dan Lanning took over at Oregon ahead of the 2022 season, the program have seen a significant uptick in pro-level talent and draft picks — with a handful routinely making Pro Bowls and earning All-Pro honors. Simply put, the talent that has come through Eugene in recent years is right up there with any other program in college football, with Lanning as one of the top connoisseurs of pro talent in the sport.
And all it took was a few minutes into the 10 a.m. PT window in the NFL for a former Duck to make his presence felt in the league, as tight end
Kenyon Sadiq, a first-round pick in the 2026 draft, scored a rushing touchdown for the New York Jets. The standout performances didn't end there, as safety Dillon Thieneman had a strong defensive day in earning a game ball for the Chicago Bears.
Here's a breakdown of all of the best performances from former Ducks in the NFL through Week 1, with two notable performances from quarterbacks that make the cut as well.
TE Kenyon Sadiq — New York Jets
As mentioned, it didn't take long for Sadiq to announce himself in the pros. Less than five minutes passed before Sadiq took a handoff and ran for a touchdown from three yards out, getting the scoring going in the Jets' 23-10 win over the Tennessee Titans. Sadiq also added three catches for 21 yards.
S Dillon Thieneman — Chicago Bears
Though the Chicago Bears allowed 37 points to the Carolina Panthers, it could've been more if not for Dillon Thieneman's 10 tackles, eight of which were solo. Thieneman earned a game ball for his efforts, as the Bears pulled away for a 59-37 victory.
QB Justin Herbert — Los Angeles Chargers
In perhaps the biggest upset of the weekend, Justin Herbert had a middling performance in completing 17-of-27 passes for 209 yards and a touchdown and interception apiece. He carried the ball five times for 29 yards in the 26-14 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. It was Herbert's first game working with new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, so things may be more smooth as the season progresses.
QB Bo Nix — Denver Broncos
Bo Nix and the Broncos had a rough showing on Monday night, losing to the Kansas City Chiefs 31-10. Nix played far below the level that we've seen in his first two seasons, completing 17-of-28 passes for 131 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
LB Bryce Boettcher — Indianapolis Colts
Emerging up the depth chart since being drafted in the fourth round by the Colts, Bryce Boettcher totaled seven tackles and half a run stuff in his debut against the Baltimore Ravens. Unfortunately, Indianapolis was defeated 41-23 with Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson having a big day.
TE Juwan Johnson — New Orleans Saints
One of the more underrated tight ends in the NFL, Juwan Johnson was excellent on Sunday in hauling in three passes for 54 yards and a late game-tying touchdown that sent the game to overtime against the Detroit Lions. The Saints fell in the final period, 31-30.
RB Bucky Irving — Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Operating in a two-man backfield alongside Kenny Gainwell, Bucky Irving carried the ball eight times for 45 yards and a touchdown while catching seven passes for another 48 yards. However, Irving had one of Tampa Bay's four lost fumbles in their 33-27 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.
S Jevon Holland — New York Giants
Another underrated former Duck, Jevon Holland, starting for the Giants for the second straight year, picked off Dallas Cowboys quarterbck Dak Prescott and totaled two solo tackles in New York's 28-20 win on Sunday night.
Contact/Follow @Ducks_Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinions.
This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Sadiq, Thieneman lead Pro Duck performances in Week 1 of the NFL
