The Oregon Ducks head into the 2026 college football season with serious National Championship or bust expectations. Dan Lanning and the Ducks are earning high praise in the Way-Too-Early Power Rankings, and for good reason, as this roster is loaded with talent. While the offense with Dante Moore will get a ton of attention, the defense could be just as strong.
Dan Lanning and the staff did a great job with player retention, returning two potential 1st round picks to the defensive line. Along with the other returning exciting pieces, the splashes in the Transfer Portal make this a potential elite defense.
Predicting Oregon's starting defense post Spring practices
Edge Rusher: Matayo Uiagalelei and Teitum Tuitoi
Rather than testing his luck, and seeing if he could be picked in the 1st round, star edge rusher Matayo Uiagalelei opted to instead return to school. This season was technically a down season for Uiagalelei, but he was still an elite piece. If Uiagalelei can return to his 10+ sack production, this front 4 will be one of the Nation's best.
While Uiagalelei took a step back, Teitum Tuitoi took a massive step forward with a 9.5 sack season. Given the strength of this defensive line, Tuitoi shouldn't face a ton of double teams, allowing him a chance to repeat the production.
Behind the two potential All-Americans, Oregon has elite depth, which should allow the unit to rotate in fresh bodies at times.
Defensive Tackle: A'Mauri Washington and Bear Alexander
One of Oregon's biggest wins of the offseason was getting A'Marui Washington back for one more season. Mock Drafts predicted Washington as the first tackle taken, and instead the Ducks will have one of the best defensive tackles in the Country. If Washington can show more as a pass rusher, it'll only make this unit much tougher to block.
Bear Alexander will finally shed the jokes about constantly transferring as he's back at Oregon for another season. Last season, Alexander was key for the Ducks at nose tackle, and with the pass rushers this group has, he'll only need to remain that dominant presence against the run.
Linebacker: Devon Jackson, Nasir Wyatt, and Jerry Mixon
Jerry Mixon brings a ton of experience back to the unit as he's coming off a solid season for the Ducks, and he'll likely start at the "Money LB" position. Nasir Wyatt will likely fill that strong side role after showing a ton of promise in limited playing time. Devon Jackson will likely have the tough task of trying to replace Bryce Boettcher after a solid showing in the spring game.
Cornerback: Ify Obidegwu, Brandon Finney Jr, and Carl Williams IV
The role on the boundary is still up for grabs as both Ify Obidegwu and Aaron Scott Jr both had solid showings this Spring. The battle will likely carry well into the Summer, but having too many solid cornerbacks is never a problem.
Brandon Finney Jr was one of the breakout stars of the college football season, becoming one of the best cornerbacks in the country as a freshman. Finney allowed just 20 catches on 50 targets for just 303 yards and a touchdown. If Finney can continue to grow, the Ducks can count on him to lock down a side of the field.
Baylor transfer Carl Williams IV looks like the clear starter for Dan Lanning at the Nickel/STAR position. Younger pieces in Na'eem Offord, Peyton Woodyard, and Davon Benjamin among others all look ready to step in at any role at cornerback.
Safety: Koi Perich and Aaron Flowers
The crown jewel of Oregon's exciting Transfer Portal haul was landing Minnesota safety Koi Perich. During his freshman season, Perich was one of the best safeties in the country, but took a step back trying to also play wide receiver. Returning to safety full-time should only help him return to form, especially in a defense this talented.
While there are some promising young players pushing for playing time, Aaron Flowers is going to be back in the starting role at safety. As a whole, Flowers had an up-and-down season, but if he can take a step forward playing next to Perich, he should be a solid player for the Ducks in the back end.
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