Oregon has bolstered its secondary with the addition of Purdue transfer Dillon Thieneman. The No. 5 overall player and top safety in the On3 Industry Transfer Rankings revealed his commitment via social media on Saturday, selecting the Ducks over other contenders, including Ohio State.
Thieneman entered the transfer portal after Purdue’s coaching change, with the Boilermakers parting ways with head coach Ryan Walters. Although Thieneman’s brother had initially stated plans to visit both Oregon and Ohio State, he ultimately chose the Ducks without making a trip to Columbus.
Thieneman’s addition is a major upgrade for Oregon’s defense. A standout for Purdue in 2024, he led the team with 104 tackles, including five for loss and a sack, and broke up seven passes in the secondary. His arrival should strengthen a Ducks defense looking to continue its dominance next season.
This commitment marks Oregon’s first from the transfer portal during a historic season, in which the Ducks claimed the Big Ten championship, finished 13-0, and earned the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff as the only undefeated team in FBS.
Oregon’s success extends beyond the field, as the team also secured the No. 2-ranked recruiting class, according to On3. This impressive recruiting haul, combined with Thieneman’s commitment, sets up Oregon for another strong season both in the Big Ten and on the national stage.
The Ducks will face the winner of the Ohio State vs. Tennessee matchup in the 2024 Rose Bowl on January 1, 2025, with kickoff at 2:00 p.m. PST on ESPN.
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