Likely first-round pick Kenyon Sadiq declares for 2026 NFL Draft

The 2026 NFL Draft is going to have another talented playmaker in the mix.

Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq has declared his intentions to enter the draft, he announced Tuesday evening.

Sadiq broke through during this year — his junior season — with a team-leading 51 catches for 560 yards with eight touchdowns.

Oregon Ducks tight end Kenyon Sadiq (18) runs against Indiana Hoosiers linebacker Isaiah Jones (46)during the first quarter of the 2025 Peach Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

He recorded four games with at least five receptions and eight with at least four grabs. He had 11 catches in the College Football Playoffs before Oregon’s ouster in a semifinal loss to undefeated Indiana on Friday night.

He’s a likely first-round pick, with The Post’s Steve Serby putting Sadiq as the potential 15th pick to the Buccaneers in his first mock draft of the year. ESPN NFL draft guru, Mel Kiper Jr., ranks Sadiq as the 10th-best prospect this year.

He ranks as Pro Football Focus’ top tight end in this year’s draft.

“Thank you Coach [Dan] Lanning and Coach Mehringer for believing in me from day one and giving me the skills needed to become a better person and player,” Sadiq wrote in his announcement on Instagram. I’m so grateful for the amount of time and energy that you invested into me, on and off the field. To the training, nutrition, and support staff, thank you so much for the help and support throughout these three years.”

Kenyon Sadiq of the Oregon Ducks celebrates after defeating the James Madison Dukes during the 2025 College Football Playoff First Round Game at Autzen Stadium on December 20, 2025 in Eugene, Oregon. Getty Images

The next big question surrounding the Ducks is about star quarterback Dante Moore. The presumptive No. 2 pick if he decides to go pro, Moore has not yet made his intentions clear if he wants to put his name in this year’s draft.

In the immediate aftermath of Oregon’s Peach Bowl loss, Moore said the draft wasn’t on his mind.

“I’m gonna just soak this moment up, most importantly, giving my hugs and thank yous to my teammates,” he said. “But at the end of the day, I don’t know my decision yet. I’m gonna talk to Coach Lanning and my family and everybody. But at the end of the day, I don’t want to think about that right now. I wanna think of my teammates and give love to them.”

If he does leave for the pros, Oregon is bringing in Dylan Raiola as a transfer from Nebraska, as he figures to be the No. 1 man under center in 2026.