The Oregon Football team heads into 2026 looking to finally get over the hump and win a National Championship. The Ducks won't just head into the season with National Championship hopes, they'll be on the shortlist of favorites to win it all. While Dante Moore and the offense will lead most conversations, the Ducks defense has a chance to be one of the nation's best.
When Dan Lanning and the staff were able to get A'Mauri Washington and Matayo Uiagaleli to pull their names out of the NFL Draft, it set the foundation for a championship level defense. When you combine the two with some of Oregon's other superstars, this unit could easily be the driving force behind a team that wins it all.
CBS names 4 Oregon Ducks among the Nation's most feared defenders
Ahead of the 2026 college football season, CBS Sports and 24/7 Sports analyst Brad Crawford ranked his 26 most feared defenders for the season. Cracking the list were 4 Oregon Ducks, which is more than any other program.
I ranked college football's 26 most-feared defensive players ahead of the 2026 season.
— Brad Crawford (@BCrawford247) May 15, 2026
Any omissions here?https://t.co/AHRkO5Vdy1 pic.twitter.com/OahFfGTq4D
Coming in at number 5 on Brad Crawford's list, defensive tackle A'Mauri Washington headlines Oregon's selections. Washington returning to school was a pleasant surprise as most early mock drafts had him being taken as the first defensive tackle off the board in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Last season, A'Mauri Washington racked up 33 tackles with 1.5 sacks and 7 pass deflections in the middle of the line. If Washington can continue to be a force in the run game while taking a step forward rushing the passer, this defensive line will be almost impossible to block.
Washington isn't the only Oregon Duck checking in as a top 10 selection as cornerback Brandon Finney Jr ranks 10th. As a true freshman, Finney quickly proved to be one of the best defensive backs in the country with 3 interceptions. If Finney continues to progress with the size and skillset he has, he can easily be the best cornerback in the country.
Once again, Dan Lanning and the staff went out and landed an elite safety that can take this defense to the next level in Minnesota star Koi Perich. Tasked with replacing a 1st round pick in Dillon Thieneman, Perich ranks 14th in the top 26. Last season, Perich took a step back as he trained to play safety and wide receiver, but as he focuses on his true position once again, he should return to form.
The final Oregon Ducks defender to make Brad Crawford's list is edge rusher Teitum Tuioti who ranks 21st. Last season, Tuitoti took a massive step forward as a pass rusher, racking up 9.5 sacks with 68 total tackles and a pair of forced fumbles. The defensive line returns so much talent, that Tuioti should continue to draw favorable matchups where he can win.
The most impressive part of the Oregon defense is that some of the Ducks' best players didn't crack the list. Matayo Uiagalelei is a likely 1st round pick, and with the strength of this defensive line, he could easily rack up 10+ sacks. Bear Alexander had an impressive season on the interior, and he should only continue to dominate. Add in players that could take a major step forward, and this defense has a chance to put together a truly special season.
Add us as a preferred source on Google