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There is a lot to like about the Oregon Ducks football program entering the 2026 season, with a handful of returners coalescing with several high-level transfers and a talented group of youngsters who contributed heavily as true freshman last year.
Every position group, save for offensive line, is solidified with accomplished talent. But there's one position group in particular that sticks out to CBS Sports' Brad Crawford as the most prominent thing to love for the Ducks this fall: the senior talent along the defensive line.
"Returning quarterback Dante Moore, speedsters at wide receiver and a talented secondary draw most of the attention, but the Ducks are a true national championship threat because of their massive defensive front," Crawford wrote. "A'Mauri Washington and Bear Alexander are future draft picks at defensive tackle, while fellow seniors Matayo Uiagalelei and Teitum Tuioti have a chance to co-lead the Big Ten in sacks and disruptive plays. This looks like an SEC-level defensive front in terms of size, strength and athleticism, exactly what Dan Lanning envisioned when he assembled the group."
It's hard to argue against anything Crawford said, as the quartet along the front line of the defense were dominant last year. All of which could've been, at the very least, Day 2 picks if they'd decided to declare for the 2026 NFL Draft.
But all of them opted to spurn the NFL for another year and return to Eugene, where they form one of the scariest fronts in all of college football.
Washington came on as the starter last season, getting better as the year went along. Alexander's steadiness was important in keeping the group together. Uiagalelei ate up double teams all year, freeing up Tuioti to rush the quarterback in one-on-one situations.
It all came together last season for the Ducks' defensive line — and they're all back for more, with another set of spring practices and fall camp under their belt by the time Week 1 comes around. To expect anything less than dominance would be foolish.
Contact/Follow @Ducks_Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinions.
This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Senior defensive talent is to love for the Ducks in 2026
Continue reading...
Every position group, save for offensive line, is solidified with accomplished talent. But there's one position group in particular that sticks out to CBS Sports' Brad Crawford as the most prominent thing to love for the Ducks this fall: the senior talent along the defensive line.
"Returning quarterback Dante Moore, speedsters at wide receiver and a talented secondary draw most of the attention, but the Ducks are a true national championship threat because of their massive defensive front," Crawford wrote. "A'Mauri Washington and Bear Alexander are future draft picks at defensive tackle, while fellow seniors Matayo Uiagalelei and Teitum Tuioti have a chance to co-lead the Big Ten in sacks and disruptive plays. This looks like an SEC-level defensive front in terms of size, strength and athleticism, exactly what Dan Lanning envisioned when he assembled the group."
It's hard to argue against anything Crawford said, as the quartet along the front line of the defense were dominant last year. All of which could've been, at the very least, Day 2 picks if they'd decided to declare for the 2026 NFL Draft.
But all of them opted to spurn the NFL for another year and return to Eugene, where they form one of the scariest fronts in all of college football.
Washington came on as the starter last season, getting better as the year went along. Alexander's steadiness was important in keeping the group together. Uiagalelei ate up double teams all year, freeing up Tuioti to rush the quarterback in one-on-one situations.
It all came together last season for the Ducks' defensive line — and they're all back for more, with another set of spring practices and fall camp under their belt by the time Week 1 comes around. To expect anything less than dominance would be foolish.
Contact/Follow @Ducks_Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinions.
This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Senior defensive talent is to love for the Ducks in 2026
Continue reading...
