Oregon linebacker Isaac Slade-Matautia entered the NCAA transfer portal, seeking to play his senior season elsewhere.
“It’s time for a New Journey,” he posted to Instagram.
The 6-foot-1, 235-pound Slade-Matautia started for the Ducks the past two seasons. In 28 games from 2018-20, he had 27 tackles (12 for loss), 16 passes defensed and 2 1/2 sacks. From Honolulu, he was a four-star prospect and the No. 16 overall outside linebacker in the Class of 2017, per the 247Sports composite.
Before committing to Oregon, he had offers from six Pac-12 programs, as well as Hawaii, Nebraska and others.
He thanked the Oregon fans and program for his time in Eugene in the lengthy Instagram post.
“To the UO football program, thank you for the life lessons and the opportunity to play and train everyday at a high level,” he wrote. “There are no words to express my feelings of gratitude for the people that have helped me become not only a better athlete, but a better person.”
He continued:
“Being a 2x PAC-12 and a Rose Bowl Champion, these are all milestones and memories I will cherish forever. Nothing will ever replace those experiences, relationships, and memories I’ve had here. Thank you.
“With that being said and after deep prayer and consulting with my family, I have decided to enter the transfer portal and will finish my final college football season elsewhere. I will forever be grateful to the wonderful people at the University of Oregon.”