Oregon Adds Penn State TE Andrew Olesh to Rebuild Offense

Oregon football is beginning the process of reshaping its roster after a lopsided loss to Indiana in the College Football Playoff Semifinal. The Ducks took a key step forward by adding tight end Andrew Olesh from Penn State, as reported by Hayes Fawcett of On3/Rivals.

Olesh, a 6-foot-5, 236-pound athlete, was a true freshman at Penn State last season and one of the final five-star signees under head coach James Franklin. His arrival provides Oregon with a highly rated prospect who can contribute immediately while gaining four more years of eligibility.

The transfer comes amid a wave of Penn State players entering the portal following Franklin’s dismissal. For Oregon, Olesh represents both size and skill at the tight end position, offering quarterback options in the passing game while also bolstering blocking in the run game.

This move signals head coach Dan Lanning’s commitment to leveraging the transfer portal to quickly reload after a difficult postseason, as the Ducks aim to rebound and contend in the Pac-12 next season.

1. Olesh’s Opportunity

Olesh will join a Ducks offense in transition, particularly at quarterback. Dante Moore, who led Oregon this past season, is expected to enter the NFL Draft, leaving the QB position open. This situation could allow Olesh to develop a strong connection with the next signal-caller while learning the Oregon system. The tight end could also become a go-to target in red-zone situations, given his size and athleticism. Oregon’s staff has shown the ability to integrate high-level transfers quickly, and Olesh’s pedigree suggests he could make an immediate impact. Moreover, his experience at a top-tier program like Penn State, even as a freshman, gives him exposure to high-pressure situations that can translate to Pac-12 competition. He also brings a work ethic and skill set that should help elevate the Ducks’ offense overall. With four years of eligibility remaining, Olesh has the opportunity to grow into a focal point of the offense while mentoring younger players and helping to stabilize the tight end position for the foreseeable future.

2. Quarterback Landscape

Olesh’s arrival coincides with uncertainty at quarterback for Oregon. While Dante Moore is widely expected to leave for the NFL, the Ducks are eyeing potential transfer options to lead the offense. One name gaining attention is former Nebraska five-star QB Dylan Raiola, who visited the Oregon campus recently. If Raiola commits, he could provide a high-level target for Olesh and continue Oregon’s recent trend of developing transfer quarterbacks. The Ducks have successfully integrated portal QBs in the past, including Dillon Gabriel and Bo Nix, both of whom are now on NFL rosters. This continuity with portal quarterbacks may ease Olesh’s transition while giving Oregon a dynamic passing game. The combination of a tall, athletic tight end and a high-profile quarterback could quickly rejuvenate an offense that struggled against Indiana. For Lanning and his staff, pairing Olesh with a top-tier QB could be central to rebuilding momentum and competitiveness in the Pac-12, particularly as they look to challenge for conference supremacy next season.

3. Rebuilding Through the Portal

Olesh’s commitment underscores Oregon’s strategy of using the transfer portal to reload quickly. After losing key contributors and enduring a heavy playoff defeat, the Ducks are focusing on acquiring elite talent to maintain competitiveness. This approach allows Oregon to add proven or highly touted players without waiting for multiple recruiting classes to develop. With Olesh and potential quarterback additions like Raiola, the Ducks are positioning themselves to rebound immediately. The transfer portal also provides flexibility for future roster adjustments, ensuring that Oregon can continue to adapt as players graduate, enter the NFL Draft, or transfer elsewhere. This proactive approach could help the Ducks remain in the upper echelon of the Pac-12 while keeping an eye on national relevance. As Oregon navigates the offseason, the combination of Olesh, potential QB targets, and other incoming transfers highlights a renewed emphasis on speed, size, and playmaking ability across the roster.