With his Oregon Ducks tenure spanning just one season, it's fair to say that guard Emmanuel Pregnon accomplished everything that he could've during his time in Eugene. He not only was named a First-Team All-Big Ten performer, but he was named a first-team All-American, a prestigious honor that put him in the conversation as the top guard in the 2026 NFL Draft class.

After a long draft process that left many wondering whether Pregnon would be a first- or second-rounder, the jury is out as he's been selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars with the No. 88 pick in the third round. His talent is viewed by many to be of the first- or second-round variety, but the guard position in the NFL is not considered to be a premium. Rarely do guards get selected until Day 2, right where Pregnon found himself.

The Colorado native began his career at Wyoming, being named a freshman All-American in 2022 before transferring to USC. He spent the next two seasons with the Trojans, developing into an above-average guard in the Big Ten. But with one season of eligibility remaining, Pregnon made the decision to prioritize his future.

That decision led him to the Ducks, where he did exactly what he'd set off to do with committing to Oregon: bolster his draft stock and ready himself for the NFL. He had a standout season, as seen by his post-season honors, making himself some money in the process and realizing his dream of making it to the league.

Pregnon is the first of what Oregon hopes is three offensive linemen selected in 2026, as offensive tackles Isaiah World and Alex Harkey are both considered to be mid-to-late-round hopefuls.

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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Oregon G Emmanuel Pregnon selected with No. 88 pick in 2026 NFL Draft