In 2025, the Oregon Ducks had the benefit of relying on linebacker Bryce Boettcher in the middle of the defense, a four-year player who had been at the middle of the defense since Dan Lanning took over in Eugene. With Boettcher now off to the NFL, though, a new leader is going to need to step up and orchestrate things as the Ducks chase their championship aspirations in 2026.
In steps Jerry Mixon .
After a breakout junior season with 57 tackles, four tackles for loss, two interceptions, and one touchdown, Mixon is coming into his final year at Oregon with heavy weight on his shoulders. He is the presumed leader in the linebacker room, wearing the green dot and heading up the unit, and with those expectations come a lot of pressure.
Pressure that Mixon is ready to meet head-on.
"Really, just being more of a leader," Mixon said. "I've been more of a leader, just talking out there, communicating with my defense and being a leader for the young guys."
Alongside Mixon are talented young players like Devon Jackson, Brayden Platt, Dylan Williams , and Gavin Nix, all of whom are expected to take big steps forward and become major pieces of the Ducks' defense. Defensive line coach Tony Tuioti says that Mixon has done a great job of leading by example so far this spring.
"Jerry obviously is doing a really good job of taking that step to be the guy, to be the vocal leader up front," Tuioti said
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Oregon LB Jerry Mixon stepping into bigger leadership role
