Oregon Ducks Safety Kobe Savage Declares For 2025 NFL Draft

Oregon safety Kobe Savage has officially declared for the 2025 NFL Draft, opting to forgo his final year of college eligibility. The announcement comes after weeks of speculation about Savage’s future and a standout season that solidified his status as one of the Ducks’ top defensive playmakers.
Jul 13, 2023; Arlington, TX, USA; Kansas State Wildcats safety Kobe Savage is interviewed during the Big 12 football media day at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Jul 13, 2023; Arlington, TX, USA; Kansas State Wildcats safety Kobe Savage is interviewed during the Big 12 football media day at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images / Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

EUGENE—Another member of the Oregon Ducks has opted to declare for the 2025 Draft. On Monday evening, Oregon safety Kobe Savage announced that he would be declaring for the draft, although he still has one more season of eligibility. 

Although Savage never officially announced his decision to return, fans speculated he would remain on the team for the 2025 season after Oregon football released a video of offseason practices, which included Savage practicing with the team. However, this was not the case, as Savage took to social media Tuesday to announce his decision to test his chances in the NFL Draft. 

Savage, who transferred to Oregon from Kansas State last season, was eligible for a seventh year of eligibility. This is due to a recent NCAA ruling, which allowed players who competed at the junior college level to play an additional season of NCAA football. 

Savage began his collegiate career at Tyler Junior College before transferring to Kansas State. While at Tyler, Savage was viewed as the 38th-best overall community college prospect and fifth-best community college safety in the Class of 2022 by ESPN. Additionally, Savage totaled 100 tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss, six interceptions, and four pass breakups during two seasons at Tyler. 

hio State Buckeyes running back Quinshon Judkins (1) runs against Oregon Ducks defensive back Kobe Savage (5) in the third qu
Jan 1, 2025; Pasadena, CA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Quinshon Judkins (1) runs against Oregon Ducks defensive back Kobe Savage (5) in the third quarter in the 2025 Rose Bowl college football quarterfinal game at Rose Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Various players around the nation took full advantage of the NCAA ruling, electing to return to their respective programs for another season or enter the transfer portal to spend their last year of NCAA football at a different program. One player on Oregon’s roster who took an extra year of eligibility is wide receiver Malik Benson, who formerly played at both Alabama and Florida State. Now, Benson has joined Oregon’s football program for his final season. 

Although many players across the country who played at the JUCO level are using this extra year to spend more time preparing and developing for their next steps, Savage decided that going straight to the draft was the route he wanted to take. 

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Throughout his first and only season with the Ducks, Savage established himself as one of Oregon’s most dominant players in the secondary, alongside fellow transfer defensive back Jabbar Muhammad. Savage logged 65 total tackles, 35 solo tackles, 29 assisted tackles, and a pass deflection during the Ducks’ historic 2024 season. 

Oregon defensive backs Kobe Savage (5) and Brandon Johnson trip up Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka during their game at
Oregon defensive backs Kobe Savage (5) and Brandon Johnson trip up Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka during their game at Autzen Stadium, Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. / Ben Lonergan / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Savage’s absence, along with the departure of Muhammad—who also entered the draft—presents a massive opportunity for younger defensive backs on Oregon’s roster to see an increased role in the 2025 season. Some of these younger players who will likely take on increased responsibility include incoming sophomore Kingston Lopa, who played in five games as a freshman during the 2024 season, Alabama transfer Peyton Woodyard, former four-star Aaron Flowers, and true freshman Trey McNutt. 

As the Ducks prepare for life without Savage, they’ll look to their younger talent to fill the gap and maintain the strong defensive reputation. Savage is just one of a handful of Ducks hoping to hear their name called during the 2025 NFL Draft.

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Olivia Cleary
OLIVIA CLEARY

Olivia Cleary, commonly known as Liv, is a fourth-year student at the University of Oregon. While pursuing a degree in journalism, Olivia has submersed herself in the world of Oregon athletics. Olivia is an intern within the athletic department. This role has provided her with a unique perspective as she has created relationships with staff, administrators, and student-athletes. Olivia is eager to share her insights and analysis on the Ducks and the broader world of college sports.