After dusting aside James Madison, Oregon will face Texas Tech in the quarterfinal of the College Football Playoff on New Year's Day. It's expected to be a tight-knit encounter between the fourth and fifth seeds. There are also 2026 NFL Draft implications with several intriguing prospects participating.
We've identified and analyzed the 10 most notable draft-eligible prospects in the playoff showdown between Oregon and Texas Tech.
Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
Oregon quarterback Dante Moore wasn’t truly tested versus James Madison, but he was solid nonetheless. The former UCLA transfer completed 19-of-27 passing attempts for 313 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions. How Moore performs against the Red Raiders and the length of Oregon’s playoff could help dictate whether he declares for the 2026 NFL Draft or returns to school for another year.
David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
There are a ton of question marks at the top of this EDGE rushing class. Texas Tech's David Bailey may be a dark-horse underdog to be the first pure pass rusher drafted. More of a traditional EDGE than his counterparts Rueben Bain Jr. and Arvell Reese, Bailey is a constant disruptor who posted 13.5 sacks (and counting) this year by winning with speed and power.
Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
Tight end Kenyon Sadiq was quiet in Oregon’s win over James Madison, registering just two receptions for 19 targets. Expect Ducks offensive coordinator Will Stein to possibly correct that by ensuring he’s significantly more involved. Sadiq can cause a mismatch advantage versus the Red Raiders' defense.
A’Mauri Washington, DT, Oregon
Oregon-Texas Tech is expected to be a tight affair. Close matchups are often won in the trenches. Oregon's A'Mauri Washington pairs first-step quickness with overwhelming size to control the line of scrimmage effectively.
Romello Height, EDGE, Texas Tech
With Bailey drawing so much attention, his running mate, Romello Height, takes advantage of isolated opportunities. Height is speedy and athletic. He's a handful for opposing offensive tackles, having produced a career-high nine sacks during the regular season after transferring to the program from Georgia Tech last offseason.
Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech
Texas Tech's Jacob Rodriguez is one of the best run-defending linebacker prospects in recent memory. The Wichita Falls, Texas native fired downhill with aggressive intentions all season long, accumulating 117 tackles, his second-straight 100-plus tackle campaign. Rodriguez joined the Red Raiders as a walk-on LB after an initial scholarship as a quarterback at Virginia. He made the right decision.
Emmanuel Pregnon, IOL, Oregon
Oregon's backfield features the two-headed monster of Jordon Davison and Dierre Hill at running back. Trying to create rushing lanes for them will be a stellar offensive line that has multiple future draft picks, including interior blocker Emmanuel Pregnon. Pregnon is tough and powerful with a strong anchor. The battle between Texas Tech's defensive line and Oregon's offensive front-five is must-watch TV.
Bryce Boettcher, LB, Oregon
Oregon's leading tackler is linebacker Bryce Boettcher. A secure wrap-up tackler, Boettcher notched 113 takedowns this season. The fourth-year Ducks senior was a difference-maker versus James Madison, racking up nine tackles and a pass breakup.
Dillon Thieneman, SAF, Oregon
This safety class will be wide-open once Caleb Downs comes off the board. It's within the realm of possibility that Oregon's Dillon Thieneman could be the second safety drafted in April. Thienemen has two interceptions and 71 tackles for Dan Lanning’s defense throughout 2025 after transferring from Purdue.
Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech
The most underrated member of Texas Tech’s defensive line is interior prospect Lee Hunter. Hunter is an active, tough nose tackle who dominates most guards and centers he encounters through consistent pass-rush moves and strength. He does the selfless dirty work that allows Bailey and Height to rush the passer.