For much of the Oregon Ducks’ 2025 campaign, it was essentially considered a foregone conclusion that Kenyon Sadiq would declare for the 2026 NFL Draft at season’s end. After all, he has long been considered a first-round pick and considered the top tight end in the draft class.
But after a 56-22 loss to the No. 1 Indiana Hoosiers in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals, the Ducks’ star tight end left the door open for a potential return.
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“I’m not sure, but it does help when we have a bunch of guys back already,” he said when asked about his undecided decision after the Peach Bowl. “I know. There must be some unfinished business.”
Speaking of players returning, defensive tackle Bear Alexander and center Iapani Laloulu have publicly announced their intentions to return despite being eligible for the 2026 draft. The returning core is strong overall, with true freshman running backs Jordon Davison and Deir Hill Jr. highlighting the backfield, while Brandon Finney Jr. and Aaron Flowers will anchor a strong secondary. Chargers Matayo Uiagalelei and Teitum Tuioti both have decisions to make.
But the biggest shoe that remains to be eliminated, and the one that could spark a ripple effect, is quarterback Dante Moore.
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For a pass catcher, especially one who could enter the NFL as a first-round pick, spending one more season with the same quarterback at the college level could be the deciding factor in his decision. If Moore leaves, Sadiq will have to face the reality of having to build a relationship with the Ducks’ new quarterback — a challenge he could choose to face with a new team in the NFL.
All of that aside, it’s hard to believe Sadiq was satisfied with his performance against Indiana. He had five catches for 29 yards, but all five came in the second half with Oregon State facing a deficit of four points or more.
From both a personal and team standpoint, Sadiq looks to get revenge at Oregon in 2026, and the bitter taste in his mouth that may influence his decision will become public knowledge in the coming days.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Kenyon Sadiq cites Oregon State’s ‘unfinished business’ in NFL decision