Predicting Oregon Ducks' defensive depth chart at start of fall camp practices

USA Today

01-08-2025

Fall camp has officially kicked off in Eugene, with the Oregon Ducks taking the field for the first time on Wednesday afternoon to begin their Big Ten Title defense. It's a new-look roster, with many young players looking to step into bigger roles vacated by NFL departures. While there may not be a ton of "Oregon experience," there certainly is an abundance of talent.
On the defensive side of the ball, a lot of new starters will take over at key positions. The interior defensive line saw players like Derrick Harmon and Jamaree Caldwell take off for the NFL, while Jordan Burch and Jeffrey Bassa departed to the league as well. Out at cornerback, a pair of new starters will need to step up, while the safeties look to capitalize on transfer portal additions and developed talent to reach new heights.
There may be a lot of production that needs to be found, but this is a challenge that Dan Lanning and his team are excited to meet.
As we monitor practice over the coming weeks, hurdling towards Week 1 and a meeting with Montana State on August 30, the depth chart will shift a bit, with players jockeying for position and working to earn starting roles. At the moment, though, here is where we project things on the defensive side of the ball in Eugene:
Defensive Tackle
Analysis: I think Bear Alexander is still the starter at this position, and despite his apparent foot injury that held him out of the spring game, I still have Aydin Breland on this list at the No. 2 spot because I think he will be healthy by the time fall camp rolls around.
Nose Tackle
Analysis: A'Mauri Washington seems to have established himself as the top guy in this position, and there are some impressive underclassmen behind him, with Terrance Green, Tionne Gray, and Jericho Johnson. I don't see anyone taking Washington's place at the top of the depth chart, though.
Defensive End
Analysis: This is Matayo Uiagalelei's spot, undoubtedly. Behind him, I think we will likely see a lot more of Elijah Rushing this year, who has put on a lot of weight and is up to 275, with coaches raving about his development. I also think that Ashton Porter could have a role to play here as well.
Jack Linebacker
Analysis: Teitum Tuioti will undoubtedly be the starter here, but it will be interesting to see who slots in behind him. I think Blake Purchase makes more sense at the strong-side linebacker position, but Ashton Porter looked really good in the spring game at this spot.
Strong Side Linebacker
Analysis: Blake Purchase had one of the best days of anyone in the spring game, and Ashton Porter looked really solid as well, I think those are the two top names to know here. After them, true freshman Nasir Wyatt has been generating a lot of buzz among players early on as well.
MAC Linebacker
Analysis: Boettcher is a known commodity, and he will be the starter for the Ducks. Behind him, I think we will likely see Jerry Mixon, but Oregon has several young players who could step up into a bigger role.
Money Linebacker
Analysis: Devon Jackson has steadily progressed each and every year in the program, and he's ready to take on a more significant role now with Jeffrey Bassa graduating. Behind him, Brayden Platt was a highly rated recruit with a ton of upside and was just waiting for his opportunity.
Boundary Cornerback
Analysis: It seems like Ify Obidegwu has the most buzz at one of the starting cornerback positions after his spring game performance, but he will have to beat out Northwestern transfer Theran Johnson for the job. I also think we see guys like Sione Laulea and Brandon Finney get in on the action.
Field Cornerback
Analysis: Jahlil Florence is back to full health, and says that he is looking to re-prove himself after missing last year with an injury. The last time he was healthy, Florence was a starter, so it's not hard to see him getting back to that level of play. I'm also excited to see what Sione Laulea can bring to the table as the former No. 1-ranked JUCO player in the nation, who has flashed when given the opportunity.
Boundary Safety
Analysis: Dillon Thieneman is undoubtedly at the top here, but I was really impressed with what I saw from Aaron Flowers in the spring game. I don't think he will push for the starting spot, but with a team-high eight tackles in the spring game, he definitely will get some minutes this year.
Field Safety
Analysis: This remains one of the most interesting position battles on the roster between Kingston Lopa and Peyton Woodyard. I think it will be an open competition going into fall camp, and they could end up splitting many of the reps in the end.
STAR/Nickel
Analysis: This will be an interesting battle to watch between Daylen Austin and Jadon Canady, one that will likely continue throughout fall camp. Behind them, I think true freshman Na'eem Offord could end up getting a lot of opportunity in the nickel as well.
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