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Matayo Uiagalelei Chooses Senior Season at Oregon, Passing on 2026 NFL Draft

His return bolsters a defense that already kept key pieces in place.

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Oregon outside linebackers Matayo Uiagalelei, right, and Teitum Tuioti take the field as the Oregon Ducks host the Minnesota Golden Gophers on Nov. 14, 2025, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon
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Overview

  • Uiagalelei announced on January 11 that he will play his senior season in Eugene.
  • The former five-star led the Big Ten with 10.5 sacks in 2024, posting 12.5 tackles for loss across 14 games with 11 starts.
  • After frequent double teams in 2025, he still flashed impact with an Orange Bowl strip of Texas Tech quarterback Behran Morton.
  • He had been projected as a mid-to-late first-round pick for 2026 before opting to stay at Oregon.
  • ClutchPoints reports fellow EDGE Teitum Tuioti is also returning for 2026, with defensive tackle Bear Alexander previously committing to come back, strengthening the Ducks' front.