Oregon understands its offensive identity. Heading into Week 3, the Ducks (2-0) lead the FBS in average scoring margin, with a +66 advantage. The key to that explosive start doesn’t just lie with the offense, though — it sits with a new defensive powerhouse.
“Every week we go against the best offense — I think in the nation,” linebacker Bryce Boettcher said after the Ducks’ 66-point Week 2 win over the Oklahoma State University Cowboys. “It’s like just that preparation aspect, it gives us a good look on defense and it makes our job easy when the offense is scoring (and gives us) a lot less pressure.”
As a senior on Oregon’s defense, Boettcher has quickly stepped up into a leadership role. After transitioning from safety, the Eugene native had a breakout in the 2024 season that ended with the Burlsworth Trophy, awarded annually to the best player who began his career as a walk-on.
“He came here for a backpack and a T-shirt,” head coach Dan Lanning said of Boettcher. “I’m really proud of those guys on our team that developed into great players. The guys that watched other people play last year (are) now playing for us, (and) that’s what makes this team great.”
An All-Big Ten second-team selection that same season, Boettcher recorded 94 tackles — which tied for No. 13 in the conference but led the Ducks — while adding two sacks, eight tackles for loss and an interception at UCLA. He led or tied for the team lead in tackles in half of Oregon’s 14 games last fall.
In the Ducks’ Week 2 69-3 blowout over Oklahoma State, Boettcher once again set the tone for his control of the game, racking up nine tackles to lead the team.
“It feels great,” Boettcher said. “I’m just doing my job for the team. I try to do my assignment — whether that comes in nine tackles or zero.”
Oregon lost key defensive line leaders to the NFL following the 2024 season in Jordan Burch, Jamaree Caldwell and Derrick Harmon, but the group has embraced the challenge of reloading.
In April 2024, defensive line coach Tony Tuioti emphasized that growth is an ongoing process: “Keep reminding our guys that we’re constantly under construction like we all are. We’re not at all where we want to be at. We’re constantly building and just having that mindset of good, better (and) best.”
With a Big Ten Championship 2024 season, finishing in the top 25 nationally for total defense (No. 15, 315.9 yards per game), scoring defense (No. 16, 19.4 points per game) and passing defense (25th, 185.9 YPG), it was crucial for Oregon to restock and reload the defense in the offseason.
Those key playmakers on the defensive line this season include transfer junior Bear Alexander, ranked nationally among interior linemen, bringing a level of experience that can not be taught to this roster.
“Seeing what Tony Tuioti has been able to do with the guys previously — man I’m excited — I’m getting developed by the best of the best, and I’m ready to go (on) this natty run,” Alexander said at Oregon’s media day.
With clear goals in mind, construction is already underway for this Oregon program. Last Saturday’s game vs. Oklahoma State ended in a 69-3 win. Junior Jerry Mixon and sophomore Peyton Woodyard recorded back-to-back interceptions within 45 seconds, each leading to a touchdown.
“I was just following my rules on the play,” Woodyard said, “Our D-line coach talks about rushing coverage, and our D-line was just all up in there — all up in the quarterback’s face — and he just threw it and it just ended up in my hands.”
Junior outside linebacker and son of Tuioti, Teitum Tuioti, credited the Ducks’ aggressiveness in collapsing the pocket for Cowboys under pressure. “I think me and the whole D-line did a good job just trying to affect this quarterback because we know each week if we affect the quarterback, good things are going to happen,” Tuioti said.
Even as the Ducks continue to rotate new pieces, the bond among the defense is becoming this unit’s strength. Oregon has reiterated this season the priority of building a strong foundation that extends beyond the field.
“I love the defensive backs in our room,” Woodyard said. “We all spend time with each other, we go bowling … play video games, so our relationships are great.”
The connections made off the field help transfer success on the field.
“I think this is one of the best defenses I’ve been on,” Tuioti said. “A team that is really trying to get to the ball — that’s something that we preach about all the time on this defense — how can we get the ball, cause obviously the ball means everything.”
That willingness to develop, even after blowout performances that may seem mismatched, has created opportunities for newcomers to step up.
“We may be young and with new guys, but that’s what I love to see — is (that) guys are trying to prove themselves,” Boettcher said.
The Ducks have also made it a point that growth is just getting started.
“Just continuing to see development in our defense — these past two games, it’s been a good game for us, but we continue to nitpick everything — we can always improve and that’s something that our defense does a great job, going to the doctor and continuing to work on things,” Tuioti said.
For Boettcher, however, the standard is simple: “Defense wins championships.”
