Kenyon Sadiq Declares For 2026 NFL Draft: What It Means for Oregon And The Pros

It’s official: Kenyon Sadiq is taking his talents to the next level. After a standout run with the Oregon Ducks, the dynamic tight end has announced he will forgo his remaining college eligibility and enter the 2026 NFL Draft.

This decision didn’t come out of nowhere, but it certainly shakes things up in Eugene. Sadiq has evolved from a raw prospect with a high ceiling into a genuine playmaker that NFL scouts are eager to dissect. Here is everything you need to know about his declaration, his journey at Oregon, and what lies ahead as he prepares for the pros.

The Announcement

The news broke this week following the conclusion of Oregon’s season and bowl activities. Using his social media channels, He confirmed what many insiders had begun to suspect: he feels ready for Sunday football.

In his statement, Sadiq positioned the move as the logical next step in his career. He expressed deep gratitude to the Oregon coaching staff, his teammates, and the passionate fan base at Autzen Stadium. His message was clear, it’s time to go pro in the NFL.

From Prospect to Pro-Ready

Sadiq’s journey in Eugene has been one of steady, undeniable progression. He arrived on campus with a physical profile that screamed potential—great length, fluid athleticism, and a frame capable of carrying the weight needed for the position. But potential doesn’t always translate to production. In Sadiq’s case, it did.

Over his time with the Ducks, he carved out an increasingly vital role. He wasn’t just a big body in the red zone; he became a reliable target in the intermediate passing game and, perhaps more importantly for his draft stock, a dependable blocker in the run scheme.

The Oregon Development Lab

Credit is due to the Oregon coaching staff for maximizing Sadiq’s skillset. The current offensive scheme is built on creating mismatches, and Sadiq was often the beneficiary. Just look at some of his highlights below.

He worked tirelessly with position coaches to solidify his route running, blocking, and football IQ. By the time the season wrapped up, the chatter surrounding his pro prospects had intensified. The feedback was likely consistent: the tools are there, the film is good, and the time is now.

What This Means for the Oregon Ducks

Losing a player of Sadiq’s caliber is never easy. His departure creates an immediate hole in the tight end room. Sadiq wasn’t a one-trick pony; he could stay on the field for both passing and running downs, allowing the offense to dictate the tempo without substituting.

The coaching staff now faces a challenge of replacing Sadiq. They will likely need to accelerate the development of younger tight ends currently on the roster or dip into the transfer portal to find an experienced veteran who can plug the gap. The name to keep an eye on is Jamari Johnson who is the favorite to get the starting role.

Sadiq’s success is also a powerful recruiting tool for the team. It proves to future recruits that Oregon is a legitimate pipeline to the NFL for tight ends.

The NFL Evaluation: What Scouts Are Seeing

Now begins the “underwear Olympics”—the grueling pre-draft process involving medical checks, interviews, and the NFL Combine.

Sadiq enters the evaluation cycle as an intriguing piece of clay for NFL offensive coordinators. In a league that increasingly values tight ends who can operate as “big slots” while still holding their own in the trenches, Sadiq fits the modern prototype. His draft stock will likely hinge on his testing numbers, but the potential is there on the film.

FAQ

Who Is Kenyon Sadiq?

Kenyon Sadiq is a standout tight end from the University of Oregon who has declared for 2026 NFL Draft.

When Is He Entering The 2026 NFL draft?

Sadiq announced his decision to enter the 2026 NFL Draft this week, following the end of the college season.

What are his biggest strengths?

Scouts are particularly interested in his blend of size and athleticism, his improvement in route running, and his ability to contribute as a blocker in the run game.

What Comes Next?

For Oregon fans, it’s a bittersweet goodbye to a phenomenal player. For NFL teams, the research phase kicks into high gear. Sadiq has the physical tools and the tape to make it happen; now, he just has to prove it during the pre-draft process. The road to the NFL is never easy, but Sadiq looks ready for the ride.