Oregon landing former South Carolina defender Jordan Burch is believed by many to be one of the best gets of any team from the transfer portal all winter. A highly-rated recruit, a player with loads of potential at a position of need, it makes sense why a pass-rusher pairing up with Dan Lanning in Eugene would inspire excitement.

But maybe the player (or players) who stand to make the biggest impact on the Ducks next season is on the other side of the line of scrimmage. ESPN’s crew of writers sifted through the outlet’s way-too-early Top 25 poll for next season and named who they believe to be the top newcomers for each team.

At Oregon, ESPN’s Paolo Uggetti said offensive linemen Ajani Cornelius and Junior Angilau could wind up as the most important gets:

With Bo Nix returning to Eugene for another season, it was imperative for the Ducks to continue to provide him with a strong offensive line despite the departure of stalwarts like Alex Forsyth, T.J. Bass, Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu and Ryan Walk. Dan Lanning and Co. have done just that, dipping into the portal to add the likes of four-star lineman Ajani Cornelius from Rhode Island and four-star interior lineman Junior Angilau from Texas. Both Cornelius and Angilau should provide Nix with a healthy amount of protection next season.

Oregon’s offensive line was among its primary drivers for last season’s success. It was a group that ranked at or near the top of nearly every major statistical category that related to offensive line play.

The Ducks ranked ninth nationally in stuff rate (runs stopped at or behind the line of scrimmage) and second nationally in sack rate. On standard downs, Oregon was the best team in the country at keeping its quarterback upright. On the year, Oregon only gave up five sacks in 13 games.

The exits of Alex Forsyth, Ryan Walk, TJ Bass, and Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu — all three-year starters — won’t be easy to replace, but the Ducks have been preparing for this.

Josh Conerly Jr., a 5-star signee from the 2022 class, got his feet wet in his freshman season. Jackson Powers-Johnson, one of PFF’s highest-graded interior linemen in the Pac-12 last year, looks ready for more responsibility in the interior. Steven Jones and Marcus Harper return after starting at guard in 2022. The Ducks also signed  George Silva, the nation’s top-rated junior college offensive tackle.

We’ll see how much of an impact Cornelius and Angilau can make right away.