Projected Oregon Ducks depth chart ahead of spring football practice
By Sam Fariss
Ducks' defensive lineup
Defensive tackle
- Starter: Ja'Maree Caldwell
- Depth: Keyon Ware-Hudson, Aydin Breland, Terrance Green
Four-star transfer Ja'Maree Caldwell is going to become an integral part of the Ducks' defensive line. At Houston in 2023, Caldwell appeared in 388 defensive snaps and brought down 27 tackles. While Ware-Hudson has experience in defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi's system, I think Caldwell will take over the starting job.
Defensive end
- Starter: Jordan Burch
- Depth: Johnny Bowens III, Aydin Breland
Burch transferred to Oregon from South Carolina ahead of the 2023 season and immediately became a star for the Ducks. He racked up 34 total tackles and 3 sacks last season to help secure his spot as the starting DE in 2024. While Johnny Bowens III will make an incredible second string at the position, Burch has earned the starting job.
Nose tackle
- Starter: A’Mauri Washington
- Depth: Jericho Johnson, Xadavien Sims
In a position that lost a lot of talent after the 2023 season, Washington will be filling a huge gap in the Duck defense. Having to replace Popo Aumavae is a tall task but I think that Washington will win the starting spot this spring. However, as spring turns to summer and then into fall, I wouldn't be surprised if a younger Duck or a transfer fills the role.
Edge rusher
- Starter: Matayo Uiagalelei
- Depth: Ashton Porter, Blake Purchase, Teitum Tuioti
Uiagalelei had some really good games in 2023 despite being a second-string edge rusher. With his best showing in the Fiest Bowl against Liberty, I think that Uiagalelei helped secure the starting spot heading into spring. Porter and Purchase were backups in 2023 as well but still have some growth to complete before becoming starters for the Ducks.
Linebacker(s)
- Starter(s): Jeffrey Bassa, Jestin Jacobs
- Depth: Jerry Mixon, Devon Jackson, Bryce Boettcher
A party should have been thrown in Autzen Stadium when Jeff Bassa announced he was returning for another year with the Ducks. As one of Oregon's defensive stars in 2023, Bassa will join forces with Jestin Jacobs to make an elite linebacker package.
Cornerback(s)
- Starter(s): Jabbar Muhammad, Kam Alexander
- Depth: Jahlil Florence, Dontae Manning, Rodrick Pleasant, Daylen Austin
One of the biggest transfer portal wins for Dan Lanning was locking down Jabbar Muhammad from the Washington Huskies. One of the most elite corners in the nation last season, Muhammad is going to dominate for the Ducks. Combining forces with UTSA transfer Kam Alexander, Oregon's secondary is shaping up nicely.
Safety/ies
- Starter(s): Kobe Savage, Tysheem Johnson
- Depth: Collin Gill, Tyler Turner, Kodi DeCambra
Another score from the transfer portal was for Kansas State Wildcat Kobe Savage. Joining Oregon returner Tysheem Johnson in the secondary, I'm not sure anyone will be able to land a pass against the Ducks' defense.
Nickel
- Starter: Brandon Johnson
- Depth: Nikko Reed, Sione Laulea, Khamari Terell,
One last transfer to complete the Oregon defense is former Duke Blue Devil Brandon Johnson. A utility player who can perform well in the slot or nickel position, I think that Johnson will make a perfect fit for the Ducks. Filling in the final spot in the starting secondary positions, Johnson should be a star in Eugene.
Special teams
Kicker
- Starter: Atticus Sappington
- Depth: Grant Meadors, Andrew Boyle, Gage Hurych
Transferring from right up the road, former Oregon State Beaver Atticus Sappington will come to Eugene with the most collegiate kicking experience on the roster. While Meadors and Boyle have been on the Ducks' roster before, I don't think they can live up to Sappington's skills and experience.
Punter
- Starter: Ross James
- Depth: Luke Dunne, Tyler Kinsman,
James has been Oregon's starting punter for a few years now. While he has done a fine job at the position and will most likely be the starter this spring, I wouldn't be surprised if Australian Luke Dunne steals the show over the summer and heading into the fall.
Long snapper
- Starter: Luke Basso
- Depth: Colson Brunner, Nick Duzansky
Another returner for the Ducks' special teams roster, Luke Basso has been a sure piece of the Oregon lineup. I don't believe that Duzansky nor Brunner will be able to usurp the starting job from Basso.
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