The University of Washington’s football program is undergoing significant changes following the departure of Coach Kalen DeBoer to Alabama. A surprising development in this transition is the decision of cornerback Jabbar Muhammad to trade the iconic burnt orange of Texas for the vibrant green and yellow of the Oregon Ducks.
Initially, Muhammad had attracted considerable interest from the Texas Longhorns but ultimately chose to bring his talents to Dan Lanning’s Ducks.
Coach DeBoer, now at Alabama, is aiming to bring several key players with him to Tuscaloosa. This shift has placed the Washington Huskies at the center of a recruiting storm.
Among the prized recruits, Muhammad, standing out as a defensive back in the transfer portal, announced his commitment to Lanning’s squad through a tweet on Jan 28. However, his journey to Oregon faced obstacles as the Texas Longhorns actively pursued his commitment.
Texas, facing defensive struggles in the Playoffs, offered Muhammad the opportunity to return to his home state and play alongside his cousin Malik Muhammad, a rising sophomore cornerback. Despite the enticing offer, Muhammad expressed his desire to be part of a program with legitimate playoff aspirations.
Consequently, with only one season of eligibility remaining, the former Washington player enrolled with the Oregon Ducks. Muhammad became the fourth defensive back transfer to commit to Oregon this offseason, opening up a series of possibilities.
Muhammad’s collegiate journey began in 2020 at Oklahoma State, where he spent three seasons honing his skills. Joining the Washington Huskies last offseason, he made a significant impact by recording 46 total tackles, two sacks, 14 passes defended, one fumble recovery, and three interceptions.
After transferring from Oklahoma State in late 2022, Muhammad played a crucial role in the Huskies’ success, finishing second in the Pac-12. He defended an impressive 20 passes, earning a spot on the All-Pac-12 second team and the recognition of Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Week.
Muhammad’s outstanding performance contributed to Washington’s 37-31 victory over Texas in the College Football Playoff at the Sugar Bowl. With his commitment to Lanning’s squad, the Ducks acquire a seasoned player with a proven track record.
Muhammad’s playmaking skills and versatility make him a valuable asset for Oregon’s defensive line. He looks forward to making significant contributions to their defensive schemes and leveraging his experience of performing under pressure multiple times.
