During the ensuing weeks after the Oregon Ducks ' 2025 season came to a close and the transfer portal officially opened, the team's defensive line depth took a massive hit after all four starters decided to return. A combined seven edge rushers and defensive linemen announced their departures, with all now vying for starting jobs at Power Four programs.
The holdovers were few and far between especially on the interior, as starters Bear Alexander and A'Mauri Washington would command two spots while Aydin Breland and Matthew Johnson were the two remaining backups. The Ducks added depth via the transfer portal themselves, but Johnson has taken steps during spring practices and fall camp to be a significant factor come the 2026 season.
Head coach Dan Lanning recently spoke on the class of 2025 four-star recruit, noting not only his physical improvements, but his mentality as well.
"We talk on our team about being obsessed, and Matt's a guy that's been obsessed with getting better," Lanning said during a press conference. "He's worked himself into a role where he's going to play a lot of significant snaps for us because of what he's done, the work that he's put in, the strength that he's gained, the weight that he's put on and his intentionality with the way he does the drill work. He's disruptive. He's hard to block. He's powerful. He's a guy that's given everything that he needed to put himself in position to play. If he continues to push, he can be a really dynamic player for this defense."
As a true freshman in last season, Johnson registered just four tackles, all of which coming in blowout Oregon victories. Despite measuring in at 6-foot-5 and 295 pounds, his body wasn't ready for the physicality of the college game. At the same time, a number of older players were ahead of him on the depth chart, blocking his path to serious play time.
No longer, with the defensive line room opening up for the now-redshirt freshman to contribute early and often in a rotation with Alexander, Washington and several other players. As for his take on his improvements this offseason, Johnson cited experience being a key factor.
"I think it's really simple, just being able to play faster," Johnson said. "I mean, when you know what you're doing and you kind of know what to expect, you're just, you know, you're able to go out there and just like react and say the thing for real. You just kind of know what to do."
If Johnson continues to improve and further impress during fall camp, there's a chance he could begin following in the footsteps of a number of interior defensive linemen that have gone on to the NFL such as Derrick Harmon , Jamaree Caldwell , Brandon Dorlus and eventually both Alexander and Washington.
According to Lanning's words, he certainly has the mindset to do so.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Matthew Johnson earning 'significant snaps' for Oregon defense
