Ducks Digest

Transfer Portal Safety Dillon Thieneman Commits to Oregon Ducks from Purdue

The Oregon Ducks have landed a commitment from Purdue Boilermakers defensive back Dillon Thieneman out of the transfer portal. Oregon coach Dan Lanning's impressive streak of landing impact transfers continues.

Charlie Viehl

Purdue Boilermakers defensive back Dillon Thieneman (31) talks to Purdue Boilermakers defensive back Joseph Jefferson II (32) after a Notre Dame Fighting Irish passing touchdown Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, during the NCAA football game at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind. Notre Dame Fighting Irish won 66-7.
Purdue Boilermakers defensive back Dillon Thieneman (31) talks to Purdue Boilermakers defensive back Joseph Jefferson II (32) after a Notre Dame Fighting Irish passing touchdown Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, during the NCAA football game at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind. Notre Dame Fighting Irish won 66-7. / Alex Martin/Journal and Courier / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
In this story:

The Oregon Ducks have landed a commitment from Purdue Boilermakers safety Dillon Thieneman out of the transfer portal. Oregon coach Dan Lanning has a proven track record of adding impact transfers to the Ducks roster, and Thieneman is expected to make an immediate effect in Eugene.

Thieneman was named True Freshman of the Year by 247Sports in 2023 after an impressive campaign with Purdue's defense. The latest Ducks commit totaled 106 tackles, six interceptions, and two forced fumbles as a freshman. As a sophomore, Thieneman did not record a turnover, but he still surpassed the 100-tackles mark on the season.

The Purdue transfer announced his commitment to Oregon with a social media post on Saturday.

MORE: Oregon Ducks’ Tyler Turner Enters Transfer Portal Before College Football Playoff

MORE: Oregon Ducks Schedule: Three Highly-Anticipated Home Games in Autzen Stadium in 2025

MORE: Former Oregon Ducks Quarterback Ty Thompson Enters Transfer Portal

Before committing to the Ducks, Thieneman reportedly took visits to Oregon as well as the Ohio State Buckeyes. Because Purdue fired coach Ryan Walters, the entire Boilermakers roster is given a 30-day window to enter the transfer portal.

As a transfer, 247Sports ranks Thieneman as the No. 1 safety in the portal. As a recruit, Thieneman flew under the radar as a three-star prospect.

Purdue Boilermakers defensive back Dillon Thieneman (31) talks to Purdue Boilermakers defensive back Joseph Jefferson II (32)
Purdue Boilermakers defensive back Dillon Thieneman (31) talks to Purdue Boilermakers defensive back Joseph Jefferson II (32) after a Notre Dame Fighting Irish passing touchdown Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, during the NCAA football game at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind. Notre Dame Fighting Irish won 66-7. / Alex Martin/Journal and Courier / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

In the past, Lanning and the Ducks have landed defensive backs Jabbar Muhammad, Kobe Savage, Tysheem Johnson, and Nikko Reed out of the transfer portal. In addition, defensive linemen Jordan Burch, Jamaree Caldwell, and Derrick Harmon all began their careers at other schools before transferring to Oregon.

Led by defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi and Lanning, Oregon's defense ranks in the top-10 nationally for scoring defense and passing defense. Adding a player of Thieneman's caliber will only help the Ducks' defensive backfield.

Before Thieneman joins the Oregon roster, the Ducks will compete in the College Football Playoff, beginning with the Rose Bowl Game against the winner of Ohio State vs. Tennessee.

MORE: Oregon Ducks Fans Color To Wear In Rose Bowl Vs. Ohio State Or Tennessee in Pasadena

MORE: Oregon Ducks Predicted To Beat Ohio State In Rose Bowl, Win National Championship

MORE: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Coach Todd Bowles Gives Bucky Irving Injury Update

Published |Modified
Charlie Viehl
CHARLIE VIEHL

Charlie Viehl is a 23-year old Boston College graduate and is an Oregon Ducks and USC Trojans beat reporter for On SI. A native of Pasadena, California, he covered sports across Los Angeles while at Loyola High School and edited the Gabelli Presidential Scholars Program’s magazine at BC. While pursuing a career in sports journalism, he is also a lifelong musician. He is excited to bring his passion for storytelling and sports to fans of college athletics.

Home/Football