Oregon Ducks' Nickel Position Competition Heats Up Ahead of Spring Game The Oregon Ducks are entering the 2026 season with a highly competitive race for the starting nickel cornerback position, a role once dominated by Jadon Canady. After transferring from Ole Miss, Canady became one of the nation’s top nickel corners at Oregon, elevating his NFL draft prospects to the middle rounds. His departure leaves a significant void, prompting the Ducks to evaluate a deep pool of talent to fill the role. Defensive coordinator Chris Hampton highlighted the depth of competition during a recent press conference, noting that multiple players are vying for the starting spot. Among the standout performers are Carl Williams, Davon Benjamin, Zach Grisham, Brandon Finney, Peyton Woodyard, Na’eem Offord, and Azel Banag, a freshman who has already begun making an impact. Hampton emphasized the team’s rotation strategy, stating, “We've got a bunch of guys working there. We really do, man, we rotate a lot of different players.” The challenge for Oregon lies in narrowing down the options and identifying players capable of performing under pressure in critical moments. Hampton described the nickel position as a “staple of our defense,” acknowledging that Canady’s departure means filling big shoes. However, he praised the growth of the current roster, noting their progress from early practices to the present. The upcoming Spring Game at Autzen Stadium on Saturday will serve as a key opportunity for players to showcase their skills in a competitive environment. The event will provide coaches and fans with a clearer picture of who might emerge as the team’s top performer.#oregon_ducks #spring_game #jadon_canady #chris_hampton #autzen_stadium
Oregon's Nickel Position Outlook for 2026: Navigating a Talent Vacuum EUGENE, Ore. — The Oregon Ducks face a pivotal challenge in shaping their nickel position for the 2026 season as standout players Jadon Canady and Daylen Austin depart after their contributions in 2025. Canady, who played a near-permanent role on the field last year, was replaced by Austin during critical moments, but both have now left the program, leaving a void that the coaching staff must address. With the team’s most valuable defensive position up for grabs, the focus turns to how Oregon will rebuild and maintain its competitive edge in the nickel corps. Zach Grisham, a fifth-year senior and walk-on from Portland, emerges as the team’s most experienced option at the position. Grisham, who logged 44 nickel snaps in 2025, is the sole returning player with significant playing time. No other defensive back has exceeded a dozen snaps at the position, highlighting the depth gap the Ducks must overcome. Defensive coordinator Chris Hampton, who also oversees the defensive backs, acknowledged the challenge of replacing Canady’s impact. “Jadon was a really good nickel for us last season. So we’ve got big shoes to fill there with him,” Hampton said after Monday’s spring practice. Hampton emphasized the team’s commitment to developing multiple players for the nickel role, noting that over half a dozen defenders are currently competing for the position. The coaching staff has identified seven key players in the mix, including Baylor transfer Carl Williams IV, who has been a standout in spring practices. Williams, who previously played the position with the Bears, has faced injury setbacks in recent seasons but demonstrated his potential as a true freshman in 2023.#oregon_ducks #jadon_canady #daylen_austin #zach_grisham #chris_hampton
