At the conclusion of the regular season, the NCAA granted a blanket waiver providing an extra year of eligibility for former junior college players. Three Oregon Ducks players qualified for the waiver, but two have already declared for the 2025 NFL Draft.
During a Senior Bowl media session, Oregon defensive lineman Jamaree Caldwell shared insights into his decision to forgo the additional collegiate year and pursue a professional career.
Caldwell admitted that the NCAA’s ruling came as a major surprise but did not alter his mindset about turning pro.
“That was a crazy turnaround for me, getting the information that I could come back. But I felt like that rule has to be fought in court. You never want to take a chance; I just wanted to get out and go work out and just go. My mindset was on playing in the NFL, and I feel like I’m going to strive to get there,” Caldwell told OregonLive.
In his lone season at Oregon, Caldwell recorded a career-high 29 tackles, three pass breakups, and a forced fumble. He also contributed 4.5 tackles for loss. Despite not registering a sack this season—after recording 6.5 last year—he remains confident in his pass-rushing abilities.
“I feel like I did a good job in the pass rush game, getting pressures and affecting the quarterback in other ways,” Caldwell said.
Caldwell and Oregon safety Kobe Savage opted for the NFL Draft instead of utilizing the NCAA waiver, while offensive lineman George Silva chose to return for another season.
Though Caldwell was a significant force on Oregon’s defensive line—both in performance and presence at 6-foot-1, 314 pounds—the Ducks remain well-positioned in the trenches. Matayo Uiagalelei is set to be one of the nation’s top defensive players in 2025, coming off a season where he recorded 10.5 sacks and 38 tackles. His return solidifies Oregon’s defensive front under head coach Dan Lanning.
The 2025 Senior Bowl will be televised live on NFL Network on Saturday, Feb. 1, at 1:30 p.m. PT. Eight Oregon seniors received invites, with six confirmed participants: Caldwell, linebacker Jeffrey Bassa, offensive lineman Josh Conerly Jr., quarterback Dillon Gabriel, tight end Terrance Ferguson, and receiver Tez Johnson. Defensive lineman Jordan Burch and offensive lineman Ajani Cornelius opted out.
