Ranking the 25 best Oregon Ducks since 2000: No. 17 — Nick Reed

Over the last 25 years, the Oregon Ducks have been one of the single best teams in all of college football, sitting near the top of the sport for the better part of a quarter-century. 

Since 2000, Oregon has compiled an overall record of 239-83 (.742), with just two losing seasons during that span. They’ve been to 24 bowl games, won three Rose Bowls, been to a pair of College Football Playoffs, and appeared in two National Championships. They’ve seen a Heisman Trophy winner in Marcus Mariota and had 99 players selected in the NFL Draft. 

It’s safe to say that when looking at the nation’s best in this millennium, Oregon belongs in the conversation. But who are the players who helped get Nike University into that conversation? That’s a different question entirely. 

To celebrate the quarter-century mark, we’re going to dive into that question over the next month as we approach the start of the 2025 season. The Ducks have had hundreds of memorable and beloved players over the years, many of whom will live on forever in some way. 

But who is the best of the best? 

That answer, of course, is subjective. When reviewing the numbers and conducting our research, we took several factors into account: career statistics, overall impact and success, legacy, fan adoration, and NFL success. 

Boiling 25 years of Oregon football down to 25 players is no easy task, and not one that we took lightly. Dozens of players were left on the cutting room floor who deserve a spot in the top 25, and at some point, subtracting names off the list started to feel like pulling teeth. But in the end, we were left with 25 players, whom we will honor over the next few weeks.

If you want to catch up, let’s take a look at how we’ve gotten to where we’re at in the rankings:

• No. 25 — Bucky Irving
• No. 24 — TJ Ward
• No. 23 — Tez Johnson
• No. 22 — Troy Dye
• No. 21 — Samie Parker
• No. 20 — Patrick Chung
• No. 19 — Kayvon Thibodeaux
• No. 18 — Troy Franklin

Now let's continue with No. 17 — the underappreciated Nick Reed.

Player Overview

Nick Reed is one of the best defensive ends to ever suit up for the Oregon Ducks. Period. When he left Eugene, he had set the school record for career sacks with 29.5 and ranked fourth in conference (Pac-10) history in four seasons. He was a Second-Team All-American as a sophomore. Reed was a major reason the Ducks led the country in tackles for loss that season (2007).

He became only the second football player at Oregon to ever earn first-team All-America honors on the field (Walter Camp Foundation) and in the classroom (ESPN the Magazine), joining Steve Barnett (offensive lineman) from 1962.

Nick Reed Career Stats

39 games, 80 solo tackles, 143 total, 48.5 for loss (250 yards), 29.5 sacks (202 yards)

Single Best Season

2008 - 13 games, 35 solo tackles, 53 total, 20 for loss (104 yards), 13 sacks (83 yards), 5 fumble recoveries

Reed's sophomore and junior seasons were very similar stat-wise, but his five fumble recoveries put his 2008 season over the top. He was also a First-Team All-American that season and helped the Ducks to a 10-3 record and a 42-31 win over Oklahoma State in the Holiday Bowl.

Nick Reed NFL Draft

Despite his college success, Reed had to wait until the seventh round and was the 247th overall pick by the Seattle Seahawks.

Nick Reed NFL Success

Unfortunately, Reed's talents didn't translate into the NFL. He lasted just two seasons in the league, one with the Seahawks and then in 2011, he spent time in Chicago and Tampa Bay. Reed played in 26 total games and had 23 tackles and three fumble recoveries (all for the Seahawks).

Nick Reed's Lasting Legacy

Although his professional career didn't go the way he wanted, Reed is still a legend at Oregon and paved the way for other defensive ends in Eugene, such as Matayo Uiagalelei and Kayvon Thibodeaux. Despite his stats, Reed is severely underappreciated for what he accomplished during his time in Eugene, and while many fans may be quick to name other Ducks before him on a list of all-time greats, his numbers and impact speak for themselves.

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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Oregon Ducks football's top 25 players since 2000: No. 17 Nick Reed