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The 2025 NFL draft was one that saw a few schools dominate the talent pool. Among those schools were the Oregon Ducks who had the fourth-most selections among all college programs with 10.
As vindicating as this year’s draft was, 2026 has a chance to be even more rewarding for the Ducks. Sports betting company Fanduel recently released the odds for next year’s No. 1 pick and two high-profile Oregon players made the cut.
Makhi Hughes: +12500
This one is a long shot because the last time a running back was selected with the first pick in the NFL draft was Ki-Jana Carter back in 1995. But Makhi Hughes has a terrific skill set that could allow him to have the historic season required to achieve such a momentous feat.
The Tulane transfer has yet to play for the Ducks, but he impressed fans with his lightning quick cuts and shiftiness that constantly kept defenders off-balance. He ran for nearly 3,000 yards in just two seasons with the Green Wave to go along with 22 touchdowns.
Now in a tougher conference with more competition, if Hughes is able to improve his numbers once again this year then he could make history as the first running taken with the No. 1 pick this century.
Evan Stewart: +12500
There have only been three wide receivers ever taken first overall. But just last year the Arizona Cardinals selected Marvin Harrison Jr. with the No. 4 pick and the Chicago Bears were strongly urged to draft him with the first pick.
While Evan Stewart hasn’t had the production that Harrison Jr. did in college, it is not far fetched to say they’re on a similar playing field in terms of talent. Stewart is one of the best route runners in his class and when paired with his elite speed he has the ability to develop into a game breaker.
It’s also noteworthy that for a receiver with such a tiny build, he is not afraid to make contested catches. A bit more production from Stewart this season and he’ll certainly be in the mix for the No. 1 pick.
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