Betting on himself: No. 1 Oregon’s Kam Alexander chasing second ring with Ducks

Published 8:00 pm Monday, December 30, 2024

The landscape of college football has seen a seismic shift — for better or for worse— from a true amateur sport into a pseudo-professional league over the last decade. 

In the opinions of some, it’s eliminated loyalty and school pride. But for others, such as sixth-year Oregon cornerback Kam Alexander, it’s allowed players to bet on themselves and prove they belonged at the highest level — regardless of where they started. 

Alexander’s final season of college football has come as an Oregon Duck. The green and yellow uniform is the third one he’s donned since entering college in 2019. Before Eugene, it was San Antonio with the blue and orange of the UTSA Roadrunners. Prior to UTSA, it was the orange and white of the then-FCS Sam Houston Bearkats in Huntsville, Texas. 

“It’s been a fun ride,” Alexander said about his well-travelled career. “I’ve enjoyed the college experience I’ve gained over (all the stops) I’ve had. People say, ‘Oh, I hated my college experience,’ but I’ve loved mine.” 

Six seasons later and Alexander finds himself in rarified air. If the Ducks keep marching on in the playoffs, he has the chance to do what few — if any — have done before: an undefeated national championship season at both the FCS and FBS levels.

But before any of that, there was a 5-foot-11, 175-pound, zero-star cornerback recruit from Manvel, Texas, who wanted his education paid for. 

“Coming into college I had to bet on myself,” Alexander said. “I didn’t go to Sam Houston State on full scholarship, it was partial — a lot of people don’t know that… I was chasing that full scholarship trying to pay for my education.”

Alexander’s first two years at Sam Houston State saw him go from appearing in six games on partial scholarship in 2019, to full ride, an undefeated season and national championship ring with the Bearkats during the pandemic-shorted 2020 season. 

The 2021 season saw a return to a full schedule, with Alexander making his first-career start on defense and appearing in all 12 games as a true sophomore. He’d redshirt the 2022 season before once again betting on himself. A star-less recruit for the second time in his career, Alexander entered the transfer portal for 2023, landing with UTSA. 

Alexander put himself on the map of college football in his lone year as a Roadrunner. 

He finished fourth in the nation with 15 passes broken up and recorded a pair of interceptions in 2023, going from an unknown quantity with one career start under his belt in the FCS to a first team All-American Athletic Conference coaches selection and defensive MVP of the Frisco Bowl. 

It’s was a success story in it of itself, but Alexander wasn’t done writing his legacy. He’d throw his name back into the portal for a sixth season at a third program. The third time was the charm for Alexander, with 247Sports rating him a four-star prospect and the No. 16 cornerback in the portal. 

“It’s just trusting and believing in yourself,” Alexander said about his second transfer decision. “(There’s no) validation from anybody, it’s just knowing you’re able to (get it done) yourself.”

Alexander found his final home in Eugene, making his commitment to the Ducks official on Jan. 8, 2024. 

Since making the transition from the AAC to the Big Ten, Alexander’s snaps, production and utilization have reduced; going from starting outside corner to a reserve role and special teamer. 

Regardless of playing time, Alexander’s three gambles on himself and two tries in the transfer portal have paid off. From a zero-star recruit trying to get playing time on a partial scholarship, to a Big Ten champion and a date with Ohio State in the Rose Bowl. 

Kickoff between Alexander’s Ducks and the Buckeyes is scheduled for 2 p.m. on New Years Day in Pasadena, California.