Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning and his success in bringing top talent to Eugene via the transfer portal has been well documented, but signing offensive lineman Isaiah World from Nevada has a chance to be his best.
According to ESPN, World has a chance, albeit a slim one, to be the No. 1 draft pick in the 2026 NFL draft next year in April. It would be a major feather in Lanning’s cap if World has the kind of season worthy of being the top player in the draft.
ESPN sets World’s chances at a mere one percent, but that’s better than no chance, and the Ducks will happily take it.
“World is the ultimate wild card in this exercise, as the 6-foot-8, 312-pound tackle is stepping up in competition after transferring from Nevada this offseason,” ESPN writer Jordan Reid said. “But his traits are outstanding. World is an above-average athlete and has foot quickness that is among the best of any blocker in the 2026 class.
“Scouts want to see him put all his traits together. Even though World didn’t allow a sack last season, he drew eight penalties (five for holding, three for unsportsmanlike conduct). He must reduce the penalties while handling the bump up in competition. If he can combine his quick feet with his lower-half suddenness and flashes in the run game, World will be a player to watch early in Round 1.”
Even as an early first-round pick, that would mean World had a great season and most likely helped Oregon into the College Football Playoff. Protecting quarterback Dante Moore and watching him have a great season will only help World’s chances at being an early pick.
In any case, it’s going to be fun watching World do his thing along the Ducks’ offensive line this season.
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