While it's a bit of an exaggeration to say that some of the Oregon Ducks' outgoing transfers this offseason could've helped them in their 39-31 loss to the Oklahoma State Cowboys in Week 2, there's a case to be made. Several of the transfers are turning into stars with their new teams, while others are contributing in key roles.
Meanwhile, in Stillwater on Saturday the Ducks were dismantled on defense, giving up over 500 total yards to the Cowboys and 400 total yards to quarterback Drew Mestemaker. For the entire 60 minutes, the Ducks had no answers for Oklahoma State's spread out, air-raid offensive scheme. When the Cowboys wanted to run the football, they had success. When they wanted to air the ball out, their receivers were able to separate
from Oregon's cornerbacks. Offensively, the drops were contagious for the Ducks offense.
Former Ducks safety Kingston Lopa, now with the California Golden Bears, allowed no separation between himself and whoever he was guarding. BYU Cougars wide receiver Kyler Kasper spent four uneventful seasons in Eugene, but burst onto the scene in Provo with several strong-handed catches.
As a whole, it was an impressive week for Oregon transfers, several of whom helped lead their teams to victories. Let's check out the most notable performances in Week 2 from former Ducks.
WR Kyler Kasper — BYU Cougars
The breakout is occurring in Provo for Kyler Kasper. In four seasons with the Ducks, Kasper battled injuries and caught just six passes for 77 yards, but on Saturday against Arizona he caught four passes for 51 yards and two touchdowns in helping secure an impressive 28-17 victory for BYU. Former Ducks tight end Roger Saleapaga joined Kasper this offseason with the Cougars, and he caught one pass for five yards.
S Kingston Lopa — California Golden Bears
Kingston Lopa had as good of a day as you'll see from a safety in college football all season, as he picked off Syracuse's quarterback three times in the 21-18 win on the road. He returned one interception for a touchdown and also recorded five tackles. Believed by many college football analysts to be a breakout candidate, Lopa's four interceptions through two games at Cal is backing that up in a big way.
RB Makhi Hughes — Houston Cougars
The Houston Cougars faced an FCS opponent in Southern on Saturday and it was smooth sailing, as they won, 77-6. Makhi Hughes had limited work in the win, carrying the ball eight times for 44 yards and a score. After redshirting with the Ducks in 2025, Hughes is the RB1 for the Cougars and figures to have a strong year in the Big 12.
QB Luke Moga — New Mexico
Though he didn't start for the second straight week, Luke Moga appeared to be the most effective quarterback for the New Mexico Lobos when they took on FCS Mercyhurst this weekend. He completed 4-of-9 passes for 82 yards and two touchdowns while also running in a score from one-yard out. The Lobos won going away, 70-7.
DL Jericho Johnson — California Golden Bears
Another Oregon transfer that followed Tosh Lupoi to Cal, defensive lineman Jericho Johnson had four tackles and half a sack in the team's three-point victory over Syracuse. Oregon transfer linebacker Kamar Mothudi also contributed four tackles.
LB Keith Brown — Washington State Cougars
Four years after beginning his college career at Oregon, linebacker Keith Brown is finally making his presence felt, now with the Washington State Cougars. Despite Washington State losing to Kansas State 34-7 on the road, Brown tied for second on the team with six tackles, five of which were solo. Brown is the Cougars' leading tackler through two games.
CB Sione Laulea — Missouri Tigers
One of the first Ducks to enter the transfer portal this offseason, Sione Laulea landed with Missouri Tigers in the SEC. He didn't do much in the Tigers' season-opener, but Laulea was a difference-maker in their Week 2 game against the Kansas Jayhawks on Friday night. He totaled three tackles and an eye-opening three pass deflections
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: How Oregon transfers performed in Week 2 of the 2026 season
