Oregon football suffered a crushing blow Monday, August 11, when five-star freshman safety Trey McNutt broke his right leg during fall camp.
The injury leaves the Ducks scrambling to replace their highest-rated safety recruit ever, just weeks before their season opener. With College Football Playoff dreams hanging in the balance, who steps up to fill this massive void?
Who Will Fill the Void Left After Oregon Freshman DB Trey McNutt’s Injury?
McNutt, a five-star prospect from Shaker Heights, Ohio, chose Oregon over powerhouse programs like Ohio State. Ranked as high as the No. 21 recruit nationally by 247Sports, he was expected to make an immediate impact in defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi’s system.
The injury, first reported by On3, could sideline him for the entire 2025 season.
NEWS: Oregon true freshman DB Trey McNutt has broken his right leg, @PeteNakos_ reports
McNutt was a five-star in the 2025 class per @Rivals. https://t.co/DkVcgIgDP9 pic.twitter.com/r8LrDiBMfa
— On3 (@On3sports) August 11, 2025
The most logical replacement is Purdue transfer Dillon Thieneman. Oregon added Thieneman through the winter transfer portal specifically for situations like this, and now his role becomes even more critical.
Thieneman brings serious credentials to Eugene. During his two seasons at Purdue, he started 24 games and compiled 210 tackles, 14 passes defended, six interceptions, and two forced fumbles. That production makes him one of the most experienced safeties in college football and gives Oregon a proven playmaker to anchor their secondary.
Beyond Thieneman, the Ducks have several young defensive backs ready for expanded roles. Sophomore Bryan Addison offers length and range that could translate well to safety responsibilities. Meanwhile, versatile defensive back Kobe Savage provides flexibility in sub-packages and special situations.
The coaching staff may also adjust their scheme to lean more heavily on experienced cornerbacks. This approach could help compensate for McNutt’s absence, especially against the explosive passing attacks they’ll face in Big Ten play.
What Does This Mean for McNutt’s Future at Oregon?
While the timing couldn’t be worse for Oregon’s 2025-26 campaign, McNutt’s long-term outlook remains bright. The 6’1″ safety earned All-American honors in high school thanks to his elite instincts, closing speed, and reputation as both a physical tackler and coverage specialist.
— Trey McNutt (@trey_mcnutt) May 10, 2025
Once healthy, McNutt should have every opportunity to compete for a starting role. His recruitment ranking as the No. 2 safety in the 2025 class speaks to his potential impact once he returns to full strength. However, his absence this season forces Oregon to rely on veteran leadership and existing depth.
Can Oregon’s Defense Maintain Elite Status Without McNutt?
Oregon enters the 2025-26 season ranked No. 7 in the preseason AP Top 25, carrying College Football Playoff expectations in its second year as Big Ten members. The Ducks open at home against Montana State on August 30, with kickoff set for 4 p.m. ET.
Losing McNutt represents a significant challenge, but the combination of Thieneman’s proven production and Oregon’s secondary depth should keep the defense among the nation’s best. The unit will need to prove itself against Big Ten competition, where explosive passing attacks are common.
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If the defense can hold strong throughout the season, McNutt’s eventual return in 2026 could make an already loaded roster even more dangerous.
For now, though, Oregon must navigate the Big Ten and playoff aspirations with a reshuffled secondary that has been tested by adversity before the season even begins.
