Oregon football defensive depth chart prediction midway through spring football

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Oregon football defensive depth chart prediction midway through spring football

Zachary Neel, Ducks Wire · Ducks Wire

Mon, Apr 14, 2025 ·

6 min read

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The spring football season is going by quickly for Dan Lanning and the Oregon Ducks , with eight sessions already behind us, and the annual Spring Game just a couple of weekends away.

In a new year with many new faces , there have been endless storylines during this spring season in Eugene, from the quarterback battle to the search for elite weapons around him. On the defensive side of the ball, some veteran experience returns. At the same time, high-level transfers also come to Oregon with an expectation of vaulting their stock and preparing for the NFL .

Oregon's roster will look wildly different in 2025 than it did a year ago, with new faces at nearly every position. Most notably, former Duck stars like Dillon Gabriel , Jordan James , Terrance Ferguson , Tez Johnson , Josh Conerly, Jordan Burch , and Jeffrey Bassa are all off to the NFL, so Lanning and the Ducks have some big shoes to fill.

While nothing will be set in stone this spring, we will get a good chance to see where Oregon's roster currently stands and who has set them up to contribute significantly come fall.

How do we see things after a couple of weeks of practice? That's an important question. With so many open spots on the starting lineup, the depth chart looks a bit muddled as we wait to see who can separate themselves this offseason. For now, though, there's no harm in trying to project where things are at.

Here's our first look at what the defensive depth chart will look like for the Ducks this spring:

Defensive Tackle

Sep 28, 2024; Pasadena, California, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive lineman A'Mauri Washington (52) tackles UCLA Bruins running back T.J. Harden (25) in the backfield during the third quarter at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

Starter: A'Mauri Washington
Backup: Aydin Breland
Other Names to Know: Tionne Gray/ Bear Alexander

Change from Pre-Spring Prediction :Flipped Breland and Gray

Analysis: I think A'Mauri Washington is still the starter at this position, but I moved Aydin Breland up in the depth chart after hearing the glowing review from DL coach Tony Tuioti, who said that Breland was arguably the best pass-rusher on the DL at the end of last season. Gray has been getting some positive buzz as well, so I think this position is in a great spot.

Nose Tackle

Oct 28, 2023; Berkeley, California, USA; USC Trojans defensive lineman Bear Alexander (90) gestures during the third quarter against the California Golden Bears at California Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

Starter: Bear Alexander
Backup: Terrance Green
Other Names to Know: Jericho Johnson /Tionne Gray

Change from Pre-Spring Prediction :None

Analysis: Bear Alexander seems to have established himself as the top guy at this position, and there are some impressive underclassmen behind him with Terrance Green and Jericho Johnson. I don't see anyone taking Bear's place at the top of the depth chart, though.

Defensive End

Starter: Matayo Uiagalelei
Backup: Elijah Rushing
Other Names to Know: Aydin Breland/Ashton Porter

Change from Pre-Spring Prediction :Moved up Elijah Rushing, moved down Aydin Breland

Analysis: This is Matayo Uiagalelei's spot, undoubtedly. The movement came behind him in the depth chart, with Elijah Rushing slotting in after hearing Coach Tuioti explain that he is playing more of a DE role than an EDGE role. I also kept Breland on this list, while replacing Xadavien Sims, as it sounds like Breland is moving around on the DL, with a lot of success playing both inside and outside.

Jack Linebacker (EDGE)

Oregon outside linebacker Teitum Tuioti celebrates a sack as the Oregon Ducks host Colorado in the Pac-12 opener Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore.

Starter: Teitum Tuioti
Backup: Blake Purchase
Other Names to Know: Ashton Porter/Nasir Wyatt

Change from Pre-Spring Prediction :Move Blake Purchase up, remove Elijah Rushing, add Nasir Wyatt

Analysis: Much like I just laid out with the defensive end spot, I moved Blake Purchase up the list here and took off Elijah Rushing. I also added Nasir Wyatt to the depth chart as he has been drawing some nice reviews early in camp.

Strong Side Linebacker

Oct 21, 2023; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks linebacker Blake Purchase (17) sacks Washington State Cougars quarterback Cameron Ward (1) during the second half at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

Starter: Blake Purchase
Backup: Ashton Porter
Other Names to Know: Matthew Johnson/Nasir Wyatt

Change from Pre-Spring Prediction :None

Analysis: Depending on the personnel group, Blake Purchase may also trot out for the Ducks at the strong-side position, where he can add a tremendous pass-rushing presence. Ashton Porter is also a high-upside player with much to prove behind him on the depth chart.

MAC Linebacker

Photo Courtesy of Ethan Landa (Bryce Boettcher)

Starter: Bryce Boettcher
Backup: Jerry Mixon
Other Names to Know: Dylan Williams/Kamar Mothudi

Change from Pre-Spring Prediction :None

Analysis: With a granted waiver from the NCAA for another year of eligibility, Bryce Boettcher is coming back in 2025 and will provide some much-needed veteran experience at the LB spot. Redshirt sophomore Jerry Mixon has also shown flashes in his limited time, but he's ready to step into a more significant role.

Money Linebacker

Sep 7, 2024; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Boise State Broncos wide receiver Austin Bolt (81) picks up a first down on a pass play during the first half against Oregon Ducks linebacker Devon Jackson (26) at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Starter: Devon Jackson
Backup: Brayden Platt
Other Names to Know: Kamar Mothudi/Gavin Nix

Change from Pre-Spring Prediction :None

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

Starter: Ify Obidegwu
Backup:Theran Johnson
Other Names to Know: Sione Laulea/Dakoda Fields/Brandon Finney

Change from Pre-Spring Prediction :Flipped Johnson and Obidegwu

Analysis: This is just a gut feeling, but I moved Ify Obidegwu into the starting spot over Theran Johnson. We have been hearing some great things about the redshirt freshman, and I wouldn't be surprised to see him have a breakout year. Of course, Johnson has the experience as a former All-Big Ten player at Northwestern, so I am prepared to be wrong on this prediction.

Field Cornerback

Nov 18, 2023; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive back Jahlil Florence (6) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Starter: Jahlil Florence
Backup: Sione Laulea
Other Names to Know: Rodrick Pleasant/Dorian Brew/Brandon Finney

Change from Pre-Spring Prediction :None

Analysis: Jahlil Florence is healthy and said he is returning for the 2025 season with the Ducks. He is projected to be one of the best players on defense, taking over as the lockdown corner on the field side. 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

Nov 30, 2024; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Ke'Shawn Williams (5) runs the ball while Purdue Boilermakers defensive back Dillon Thieneman (31) defends in the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Starter: Dillon Thieneman
Backup: Kingston Lopa
Other Names to Know: Aaron Flowers

Change from Pre-Spring Prediction :Flipped Lopa and Flowers

Analysis: Dillon Thieneman is undoubtedly at the top here, but I did flip Kingston Lopa and Aaron Flowers, as the former has been drawing a lot of rave reviews so far in spring game and should likely get a lot of action, whether it's here or at the field safety position.

Field Safety

Oregon defensive back Peyton Woodyard works out during practice with the Ducks Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024 at the Hatfield-Dowlin Complex in Eugene, Ore.

Starter: Peyton Woodyard
Backup: Kingston Lopa
Other Names to Know: Trey McNutt

Change from Pre-Spring Prediction :None

Analysis: I could see either Peyton Woodyard or Kinston Lopa taking over as the starter here, but for the time being, I am going to go with Woodyard, knowing that a true position battle is set to take place. I also want to see what 5-star freshman Trey McNutt can bring this spring.

STAR/Nickel

Oregon defensive back Daylen Austin during practice with the Oregon Ducks Tuesday, April 2, 2024 in Eugene, Ore.

Starter: Daylen Austin
Backup: Jadon Canady
Other Names to Know: Sione Laulea/Na'eem Offord

Change from Pre-Spring Prediction :None

Analysis: With Brandon Johnson graduating, I expect Daylen Austin to step into the nickel/star position and provide excellent coverage and run support. It will be a tough job to win since Oregon also brought in Ole Miss transfer Jadon Canady through the portal.

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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Oregon football defensive depth chart prediction midway through spring

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