Sometimes, guys get a rep that isn't necessarily earned. Duck fans all know Bear Alexander transferred twice, that he elected to redshirt last season because he wasn't getting playing time over the first three games last season at USC.
He came to Oregon to get a new start, seeing how a stint with the Ducks worked out so well for Derrick Harmon, chosen in the first round by Pittsburgh after a stellar year on the Oregon defensive line.
Comparing their pre-Oregon stats, the two are eerily similar:
Ht, Wt. | Tackles | TFL | Sacks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Harmon MSU 2022 | 6-5, 330 | 40 | 4 | 1.5 |
Alexander, USC 2023 | 6-3, 315 | 47 | 7 | 1.5 |
Harmon blossomed at UO, transforming himself into a first-round draft during a junior season where he racked up 55 quarterback pressures, 11 tackles for loss and five sacks. He thrived in the Oregon system and training room.
Alexander has had a checkered career, attending nine schools in eight years:
2018 – Terrell High School (TX)
2019 – Skyline High School (TX)
2020 – Denton High School (TX)
2021 – IMG Academy (FL)
2022 – Georgia
2023 – USC
2024 – Three games at USC, self-redshirt
2025 –Oregon
An odyssey like that sparks rumors, but the rumors are not entirely fair. For one, Oregon teammates and coaches have consistently praised his work ethic since coming to Eugene in January.
“Well, Bear’s worked his tail off since he’s been here,” Dan Lanning said. “I think he understands the perception that’s out there, and like you said, perception isn’t always reality.”
Loading 😈😈😈 #THEONE #MYTURN pic.twitter.com/jZcKn0uGkh
— Bear Alexander (@BearAlexander_) May 17, 2025
At Big Ten Media Days, Matayo Uiagalelei told Bri Amaranthus of Sports Illustrated, "Man, (Bear Alexander) works. He'll be there in the workout, and then he’ll come back an hour later -he's doing a whole other workout - almost like a two-a-day, but just by himself out there. Freaky athlete."
The work ethic extends to the classroom. Alexander made the Dean's List at USC in his last semester, majoring in Journalism and Communications. He posted a 3.75+ GPA winter term at UO as well, again on the Dean's List.
He's proved to be a great teammate off the field as well, arranging a baby shower for A'Mauri Washington this summer when Washington welcomed a new child, attended by the entire team.
In Eugene Alexander has found his peace. He's leaned down to a fierce 302 pounds with improved strength and quickness. Tosh Lupoi and Tony Tuioti have him playing in a system where he can attack and penetrate. He has Matayo Uiagalelei and Teitum Tuioti to create outside pressure.
— Bear Alexander (@BearAlexander_) August 21, 2025
Alexander's potential as an every-down defensive tackle is undeniable, particularly in the shape that he's in. Trevor Sikkema of PFF said, "Bear Alexander is elite. His best plays rival anyone in this interior defensive line class."