The Oregon Ducks are all in for the 2026 national title race. With Dante Moore, 8/11 defensive starters, and a host of returning skill players, the Ducks didn't need a transfer overhaul like in previous seasons, but they brought in a small group of players to supplement clear weaknesses for the most part.
Offensive line was the most talked about omission to that statement, as Oregon missed out on coveted tackle transfer Jordan Seaton, yet Linebacker has flown under the radar as a room that lost its multi-year leader in Bryce Boettcher and refused to bring in an experienced transfer to compete for his job.
In 2026, Mixon's the one
The Ducks do have Jerry Mixon ready to upgrade from Boettcher's sidekick to the leader of the defense. Mixon played 560 snaps this past season and excelled as a coverage defender, posting an 83.4 PFF coverage grade while allowing only 30 catches for 257 yards all season. His pick-six against Oklahoma State showcased his impressive ability to read a QB's eyes and break on routes.
JERRY MIXON PICK SIX!@OregonFootball takes a 62-3 lead! pic.twitter.com/pi47IUec5q
— CBS Sports College Football 🏈 (@CBSSportsCFB) September 6, 2025
While Mixon will need to improve as a run defender, year over year development seems to be the name of the game for Linebackers coach Brian Michalowski. Since he was hired in early 2024, Oregon hasn't taken a single transfer at the linebacker position. The logical choice for Mixon's running mate is Devon Jackson.
Jackson has rotated in for the better part of 3 years now, accumulating 956 total snaps. He's graded out fine, with overall PFF defensive grades between 64.6 and 67.8, but he's never been anything more than an average player against the run or pass. He clearly has the upside to be a good player for Oregon, as DuckTerritory's John Evans highlights below.
I’ve been critical of Devon Jackson’s hesitancy at times early this season but it’s because I know how the impact he can make.
— John Evans (@_jpevans_) September 17, 2025
A great read lurking in Cover 1 to tip the ball to Boettcher for the pick & fills the run v counter, stops the pulling TE before helping make the tackle pic.twitter.com/z2yuAcCxzr
After Mixon and Jackson, it's somewhat of a mystery who will rotate in as a third backer off the bench. The best bets seem to be either Gavin Nix or Dylan Williams. Both given four stars by 247 Sports, Nix and Williams both played at football factories, with the former attending IMG Academy in Florida and the latter Long Beach Poly in California. Both guys saw 40+ snaps last season, which ranked fourth and fifth on the roster.
The Ducks clearly prioritize and have a plan for both of these guys, or at least one of them surely would have tested the transfer portal. Ducks fans should put their faith in Michalowski as a developer and not be surprised when one or both of these guys breakthrough early next season, just like Jerry Mixon.