After two sacks in the Orange Bowl and leading the Ducks in tackles for loss with 16, junior edge rusher Teitum Tuioti has announced he's passing up the NFL draft and returning for his season year.
It's huge news for the Ducks and their chances for achieving another playoff run in 2026. Tuioti stood out as a playmaker and a technician on the Oregon defense while playing for his father Tony Tuioti on the defensive line.
Tuioti's return could be the start of an influx, a championship drive
The 6-3, 263 edge from Laie, Hawaii and Sheldon High School in Eugene, posted 68 tackles and 9.5 sacks this season, disruptive and consistent, a high-effort player, smart. He broke up five passes, forced two fumbles and was credited with eight quarterback hurries in his all-around best season, a two-year starter for the Ducks with 29 career starts and 42 games played.
It’s back to work son🤟🏽! Thank you @CoachDanLanning & @oregonfootball 🦆Ohana for developing Teitum to be be his best! #Sco🦆🤙🏽 https://t.co/8bp3EXZLkg
— Tony Tuioti (@CoachTuioti92) January 11, 2026
Needless to say, his position coach is pumped. Teitum racked up six tackles and two sacks in the 23-0 shutout win over the Red Raiders in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal.
Oregon outside linebacker Teitum Tuioti announced he will returning for the 2026 season.
— Erin Slinde (@slindeerin9) January 11, 2026
The junior led the ducks in sacks and tackles for loss.
Here was Tuioti on his decision after the loss to Indiana- pic.twitter.com/XLubENO72L