A New Chapter for the Ducks' Defense: Reinforcing the Secondary
High School Dominance: A Glimpse into Scott's Potential
Aaron Scott Jr., an esteemed four-star prospect from the 2024 recruiting cycle, garnered significant attention for his exceptional performances during his high school career in Springfield, Ohio. His impressive skill set led to his recognition as the fifth-ranked cornerback nationally in his class by 247 Sports, underscoring the high expectations surrounding his collegiate journey.
The Ohio State Experience: A Foundation for Growth
During his two seasons with the Ohio State Buckeyes, Scott experienced limited playing time, accumulating just 11 tackles and one pass breakup. Despite the lack of extensive on-field action, his high recruit ranking confirmed his inherent talent. The intense competition within Ohio State's secondary, populated by numerous NFL-caliber players, was a primary factor in his restricted role. With two years of eligibility remaining, Scott is now poised to capitalize on his potential with the Ducks.
A Familiar Foe Awaits: Scott's Return to Columbus
Interestingly, Scott did not participate in either of the two games between Ohio State and Oregon during the 2024 season. While the Ducks triumphed in a thrilling regular-season encounter at home, the Buckeyes dominated the Rose Bowl, ending Oregon's season. The upcoming 2026 Big Ten matchup in Ohio State will offer Scott a highly anticipated opportunity to compete against his former team.
A Multifaceted Asset: Scott's Adaptability in Defense
Throughout his tenure with the Buckeyes, Scott demonstrated remarkable versatility in his defensive assignments. With a robust build of 6 feet and 195 pounds, he is naturally suited for an outside cornerback role, where he logged 82 snaps in 2025. However, his athleticism also allowed him to contribute in other areas, including 11 snaps in the box and nine in the slot, highlighting his capacity to adapt to various defensive schemes. This adaptability is a highly valued trait, echoing the preferences of the previous defensive coordinator, Tosh Lupoi, and likely aligning with the philosophy of the newly appointed DC, Chris Hampton.
The Road Ahead: Competing for a Starting Spot
Similar to his time at Ohio State, Scott faces significant competition within Oregon's talented cornerback unit. Securing an immediate starting position will require considerable effort. During upcoming spring practices and fall camp, he will vie for a spot opposite the standout Brandon Finney Jr. Finney, fresh off a Freshman All-American season, has firmly established his position, leaving the other side of the field open for contenders like Scott, who now enters the mix as a serious contender.