The Oregon Ducks secured one of the nation’s top transfer portal classes this offseason, with 247Sports ranking their haul as the No. 5 transfer portal class in the country. A key factor in this ranking was the addition of Nevada transfer offensive lineman Isaiah World.
Coach Dan Lanning and the Ducks struck gold by landing World, who was the top player in the transfer portal at the time. With the season approaching and no clear frontrunner for the top 2026 NFL Draft prospect, World has a prime opportunity to rise to the top among draft-eligible players.
ESPN’s Jordan Reid gives Isaiah World a one percent chance of being the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Reid stated, “World is a true wildcard, stepping up in competition after transferring from Nevada. At 6-8, 312 pounds, his athleticism and elite foot quickness set him apart in the 2026 class. If he blends his quick feet, explosive lower body, and run-game potential, he could shine early in Round 1.”
Despite Nevada’s 3–10 record last season, the California native was a standout offensive lineman, recognized as one of the nation’s best. His clear talent led 247Sports to rank him as the No. 2 overall player and No. 1 offensive tackle in the transfer portal.
Oregon’s only No. 1 overall draft pick was quarterback George Shaw, selected by the Baltimore Colts in 1955. In the modern era, Oregon’s highest draft selection was Marcus Mariota, taken No. 2 by the Tennessee Titans in 2015, just behind Florida State’s Jameis Winston.
Recent NFL draft trends suggest that selecting an offensive lineman as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 draft would be surprising. The last time this occurred was in 2013, when the Kansas City Chiefs drafted Central Michigan’s Eric Fisher. Even at No. 2, teams have hesitated; the St. Louis Rams’ selection of Auburn’s Greg Robinson in 2014 was the most recent instance.
In the 2025 draft, LSU’s Will Campbell was the highest-drafted offensive lineman, taken No. 4 by the New England Patriots. NFL teams have increasingly deprioritized offensive linemen in early draft picks, but a standout 2025 season could position Isaiah World to challenge this trend.
Source: SI.com
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