A former five-star recruit, the highest-rated cornerback ever to sign with Oregon, now working to carve out an NFL role after going undrafted.
Dontae Manning arrived at Oregon as the crown jewel of the Ducks' 2020 recruiting class and started games from day one, but his path to the NFL has run through three organizations in a single year. The Kansas City native is now with the Chicago Bears, trying to turn raw talent and a five-star pedigree into a lasting roster spot.
Path to the league
Manning signed with Oregon as a five-star recruit in the 2020 class, rated the highest cornerback prospect ever to commit to the Ducks. He started as a true freshman in 2021 and played four seasons in Eugene before going undrafted in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Career highlights
Manning was a steady contributor in Oregon's secondary for four years, totaling double-digit tackles in each of his final three seasons and adding an interception in both 2023 and 2024. His senior season included 14 solo tackles, one interception and five passes defended.
2025 season recap
Manning signed with the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent before moving to the Indianapolis Colts in late April 2025. He was waived by Indianapolis on August 26, 2025, and signed with the Chicago Bears two days later, entering his rookie NFL season still searching for his first regular-season action.
Sources
- ESPN: Dontae Manning
- ESPN: Dontae Manning College Stats
Player Profile
Background
- Position
- Cornerback
- Group
- defense
- College
- Oregon
- Hometown
- Kansas City, MO, USA
- Age
- 24
- Status
- active
