Bear Alexander chooses healing and development over quick NFL payday

The Oregon program and Duck fans got great news today as Bear Alexander announced he's returning for the 2026 season.

It was a surprise announcement, as decisions on declaring for the NFL draft aren't due until January 15. Alexander, a transfer from USC and Georgia, has blossomed in his one season as a Duck, and his move to return for a senior year in the Oregon program is a huge benefit for new coordinator Chris Hampton in terms of leadership and playmaking muscle on the defensive front.

On social media the 6-3, 302-pound junior from Terrell, Texas said, "This isn't just football-this is healing, I have grown TREMENDOUSLY in my short time in Eugene. And I can't wait to see me as a finished product NEXT YEAR . LETS RUN IT BACK DUCKS FAMILY. Love Y'all."

Alexander proved to be a run stuffer and a disruptor for the Ducks inside, taking over from Derrick Harmon and Jamaree Caldwell, who transferred to Oregon last year, had huge seasons and moved on to the NFL, drafted in the first and third round last April, one and done. It was widely assumed the Bear would follow the same path.

After playing just three games last year at USC and choosing to redshirt, Alexander totaled 45 tackles, six tackles for loss and five quarterback hurries, an integral part of the No. 6 defense in the country in yards per play, No. 8 in scoring defense at 14.8 points per game.

More than that, he embraced the culture and found a home here. This summer when defensive line teammate A'Mauri Washington and his fiancée were expecting a baby, it was Alexander who arranged a team barbecue and a baby shower.

Alexander is the first of a key group of Ducks facing a pivotal decision

The connection, as well as the opportunity to develop and further refine his game, made this an easy decision for him.

His commitment to return even before Oregon's first home playoff game could signal a set of such decisions for the Ducks, though it certainly doesn't bind any of his teammates in any way. Imagine if Dante Moore, Teitum Tuioti, Iapani Laloulu, Matayo Uiagalelei, Dillon Thieneman and Washington elect to follow his lead. While they each have to follow their own timeline and concerns for their families and their future, Alexander's move indicates it's a least a possibility.

At minimum, it shows that Oregon is a great place to play football and get developed, that the core values of the program are far more than just lip service.