Dillon Thieneman and Matayo Uiagalelei named to Big Ten preseason honors list
Here in the Big Ten, the conference announced 15 players who have been named to the preseason honors list, and Oregon Ducks defensive end Matayo Uiagalelei and safety Dillon Thieneman are among that group. The list was announced on the first day of the three-day Big Ten Football Media Day event in Las Vegas.
There were no First-Team or Second-Team preseason awards, just a list of the 15 standouts.
Uiagalelei is expected to be one of the best defensive ends in the conference and in the country this year after he enjoyed a breakout season for the Ducks as a sophomore in 2024, leading the Big Ten in the regular season with a career-high 10.5 sacks while adding 12.5 tackles for loss. He also had two forced fumbles, a blocked kick, and an interception while earning all-Big Ten first-team honors from the media and second-team recognition from the league's coaches.
As for Thieneman, he was one of the best safeties in the Big Ten last season despite playing for a poor Purdue team. He's expected to be even better for Oregon with much better talent around him.
Thieneman was a two-year starter for the Boilermakers, earning FWAA Defensive Freshman of the Year and Associated Press third-team all-America honors in 2023 after ranking third nationally with six interceptions and leading all FBS freshmen with 74 total tackles. He led Purdue and all FBS freshmen with 106 total tackles, fifth-most among all Big Ten players.
He also earned preseason recognition once again after being named to the Walter Camp preseason all-America second team earlier this month.
2025 Big Ten Preseason Honors
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