Oregon adds crucial depth as 4-star, 340-pound defensive tackle commits

While Oregon's starting defensive line is among the best in college football with the return of Matayo Uiagalelei, Teitum Tuioti, A'Mauri Washington and Bear Alexander, their depth got utterly destroyed in the transfer portal.

Among the 30 Ducks that left in pursuit of starting opportunities, seven played in the trenches on defense. Terrance Green signed with Alabama. Tionne Gray opted for Notre Dame. Blake Purchase landed a new deal at Ole Miss and Xadavien Sims at Arkansas. The rest scattered.

It represents a toll and a challenge for line coach Tony Tuioti and new defensive coordinator Chris Hampton, but the 2026 edition of Gang Green picked up tackle Jerome Simmons Saturday night, a transfer from the University of Louisiana-Monroe, 6-5, 340.

Simmons started his major college career at South Carolina, a JUCO transfer from Highland Community College in 2024, rated the No. 6 JUCO prospect and No. 2 defensive lineman in that class. At ULM last year he posted 10 tackles, three pressures and a pass breakup.

A monumental rebuild lies ahead to avoid a numbers crunch

He's a big body, and strong, with some quickness and power. At Bamberg High School in Bamberg, South Carolina he earned First Team All-State as a senior, an all-around athlete who competed on basketball, baseball, track and golf teams in addition to the gridiron.

Simmons gives the Ducks more depth, badly needed after the transfer losses. They also added Hawaii state Defensive Lineman of the Year Tevita Paongo as a preferred walk-on from James Campbell High School in Ewa Beach, Hawaii, 6-2, 270, two steps toward getting the practice numbers where they need to be.

The program also entertained visits this weekend from Southern Miss transfer Mason Clinton, 6-5, 300, and North Carolina transfer D'Antre Robinson, a three-star from Orlando, Florida, 6-4, 315. With the Tarheels this season Robinson posted 39 tackles, half a sack and a forced fumble, a redshirt sophomore in 2026.

The Transfer Portal has closed now though Indiana and Miami players will have additonal days to enter. Players in the portal remain there until they negotiate an offer from a new team. At Oregon prospects are up against the deadline to enroll for winter term, though it's still possible to enroll in spring and participate in most of spring practice.

In the 2026 class the Ducks signed edge rushers Tank Jones, Dutch Horisk and Prince Tavizon; Jones in particular has a Big Ten-ready body and pass rush skills. Defensive lineman Tony Cumberland is a four-star talent, but may need time in the weight room, listed at 6-4, 285, something to watch in spring.