Oregon Ducks Linebacker Keith Brown Enters Transfer Portal

Keith Brown signed with Oregon as an Adidas All-American linebacker in the 2021 class.

Oregon Ducks linebacker Keith Brown has entered the transfer portal. He announced his decision on social media Saturday.

🤞🏽❤️ pic.twitter.com/Z9dZVo4G2m

— Chief Keith (@KeithBrown2121) April 15, 2023

Brown is a former four-star recruit out of Lebanon, Oregon. He started one game during the 2022 season against the North Carolina Tarheels in the Holiday Bowl, so it’s no wonder there were some lofty expectations for the rising junior. 

The homegrown prospect was a part of the 2021 class that ranked seventh nationally according to 247Sports. His departure means the 2021 class is now down to just eight of its 23 original signees. 

Brown was ranked the No. 114 player nationally, the No. 9 linebacker, and the No. 1 player in Oregon. During his two years in Eugene, Brown recorded 36 total tackles, 18 solo tackles, 18 assisted tackles, and one sack. The lone sack for Brown came against Eastern Washington in 2022.

The Ducks shopped for linebackers in the transfer portal this offseason, adding former Iowa linebacker Jestin Jacobs, and Arizona State linebacker Connor Soelle. Jeffrey Bassa returns from last season and safety Jamal Hill has been working at linebacker during spring practice.

This decision comes just two days after Brown indicated his desire to stay at Oregon.

"I could've easily been a portal guy and stuff like that, but I'm a Duck and I've been here for three years now and I'm from Oregon, so it kind of means more to me," Brown said after Thursday's practice. "I want to play for this team. I want to be a Duck. I wasn't worried about how long it was going to take. I just knew I had to earn my spot."

While speaking to the media on Saturday, Dan Lanning had high regards for Brown.

"Keith can play football. He can tackle, he can run, he can hit, I think for him, he knows he wants to develop some consistency there and continue to be a signal caller. Keith finished well obviously there at the end of the season, and I have high expectations for him moving forward."

Brown has two years of eligibility remaining at his next school. 

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