Oregon Ducks Cornerback Jahlil Florence to Enter Transfer Portal Midseason
The Oregon Ducks are parting ways with a key member of their defense as the season enters its most critical stretch. Cornerback Jahlil Florence, who has been with the Ducks since 2022, will enter the transfer portal after spending three seasons with the program.
Florence, who has faced significant injury setbacks, particularly in the 2023 season, has been limited to special teams play in 2025. Now, with four games left in the regular season, he will look to continue his career elsewhere.
Dan Lanning Comments on Florence’s Journey
Oregon head coach Dan Lanning provided an update on Florence’s progress back in September, noting that the cornerback was still working his way back to full form after missing the entire 2024 season due to a knee injury.
“He’s been able to practice and do some good things,” Lanning said at the time. “We’ve been able to use him on kickoff and other situations. If he keeps attacking his opportunities, I think his role could expand.”
However, the time away from the field meant Florence had to fight for his spot in the rotation, which likely contributed to his decision to leave midseason.
Florence’s Career at Oregon
A product of Lincoln High School in San Diego, California, Florence was a four-star recruit in 2022, joining Oregon as part of the first recruiting class under Dan Lanning. He arrived in Eugene alongside several other key players, including offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr., running back Jordan James, and fellow defensive back Jalil Tucker.
Florence made an immediate impact during his freshman season, recording eight tackles, a forced fumble, and an interception in limited action. In 2023, he built on that success with 27 total tackles, one sack, and another interception. However, his season was derailed in November by a knee injury against Arizona State, forcing him to miss all of 2024.
Reflecting on his injury, Florence said, “It was a sad year for me mentally. Coming back now, I’m looking at things differently—taking every day for what it is, knowing it could be taken from you at any time.”
Florence’s NFL Aspirations in Limbo
After his injury-riddled 2024 season, Florence chose to return to Oregon for the 2025 campaign instead of entering the NFL Draft, hoping to prove himself to scouts. However, his limited playing time this year has hindered his ability to showcase his talents for a potential pro career.
At the end of the 2024 season, Florence had stated he planned to return for another year: “I still have something to finish. I feel like I have a year where I could really help this team,” he said at the time. He added, “It was a major knee injury, and I had to get two surgeries, so it was kind of severe.”
With Florence’s departure, Oregon’s depth chart will remain unaffected for their upcoming matchup against the Iowa Hawkeyes, as he hasn’t played a significant role this season.
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