Dan Lanning Offers High Praise for Oregon's Defense in Second Scrimmage

The Oregon Ducks defense showed promising strides in their second scrimmage of fall camp on Saturday.

Dec 20, 2025; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning looks on during the fourth quarter against the James Madison Dukes at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

As they continue to prepare for their season opener against the Boise State Broncos at Autzen Stadium on Sept. 5, the Oregon Ducks hosted their second scrimmage of fall camp on Saturday. 

Entering the season with one of the best returning rosters in the country, the Ducks have talent on both sides of the football. With high expectations for their defense in its first season under new defensive coordinator Chris Hampton, the Ducks defense put together an impressive performance in their scrimmage against Oregon’s offense led by starting quarterback Dante Moore. 

Oregon head coach Dan Lanning speaks during a press conference on Aug. 18, 2026, at the Hatfield-Dowlin Complex in Eugene, Oregon. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

With their second scrimmage in the books, here’s what Ducks coach Dan Lanning said about the team's defensive performance against their offense.

“Third-down stops, red zone area stops. I thought they attacked the ball well. You know, there were some balls that we were able to get out, and I said that last time they had done a really good job of attacking the ball, but those were the things that kind of stuck out to me. I think we still got to get better against the run based on what I saw today, but we’re gonna have to watch the film,” Lanning said. 

Why Oregon Ducks Defense Could Be Key To National Championship Goals

Oregon defensive coordinator Chris Hampton speaks during a press conference on March 14, 2026, in Eugene, Oregon. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

After falling to the eventual national champions in the last two seasons, the Ducks hope the third time will be the charm and the confetti will be falling on Oregon when the title game comes to a close on Jan. 25, 2027, at Allegiant Stadium.

The Ducks' defensive performance may be the biggest x-factor in Oregon winning the national championship this season. In their last two CFP losses to the Ohio State Buckeyes (2024) and Indiana Hoosiers (2025), the Ducks' defense gave up 40-plus points. 

Unless the Ducks can win in an offensive shootout this time around, Oregon’s defense likely can’t afford to allow this many points if they hope to win the national championship. The Ducks defensive performance in the scrimmage is an encouraging sign of the team’s potential when playing some of the best offenses in the country this season. 

Oklahoma State's Drew Mestemaker smiles after throwing a touchdown pass during a spring football game for the Oklahoma State University Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, April 18, 2026. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

The Ducks, however, must prove it on the field, and their first test is on the road in Week 2 when they face quarterback Drew Mestemaker and the Oklahoma State Cowboys on Sept. 12 in Stillwater. Mestemaker arrives at Oklahoma State from North Texas along with coach Eric Morris and is fresh off a 2025 season in which he led the country in passing, throwing for 4,379 yards, 34 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. 

Key Stars For Oregon Ducks Defense 

Jan 1, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Oregon Ducks linebacker Teitum Tuioti (44) reacts after a sack against the Texas Tech Red Raiders during the second half of the 2025 Orange Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Several stars will highlight the Ducks' defense this season. Starting on the defensive line, the Ducks are led by four key returners: A’Mauri Washington, Teitum Tuioti, Bear Alexander, and Matayo Uiagalelei. 

Despite being considered 2026 NFL Draft prospects, the four defensive linemen opted to return to the Ducks to help Oregon pursue its first national championship. We’ll see if their decisions to return help the Ducks win the national championship.

Sep 20, 2025; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks linebacker Jerry Mixon (54) reacts after a play against the Oregon State Beavers during the first quarter of the game at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

At linebacker, new leaders will emerge following the Indianapolis Colts' selecting former Ducks star Bryce Boettcher in the fourth round of the draft at No. 135 overall. Players to watch include Devon Jackson and Jerry Mixon, who will lead the Ducks linebacker room this season. 

Sophomore linebacker Nasir Wyatt is another player to watch, as he’s shown great improvement throughout the offseason and aims to become an every-down player for the Ducks' defense.  

Oct 25, 2025; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive back Koi Perich (3) returns a kickoff during the first quarter against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

In the secondary, Minnesota Golden Gophers transfer safety Koi Perich and sophomore cornerback Brandon Finney Jr. will lead the way. After an impressive freshman season that featured a remarkable performance in the CFP Quarterfinal at the Orange Bowl, Finney Jr. looks to build his case as the best cornerback in the country.

Perich arrives in Eugene as one of the best transfer portal players, and he could be the final piece to the puzzle for the Ducks' defense and their goals of winning the national championship. In his two seasons with the Golden Gophers, Perich recorded 128 total tackles, six interceptions, two forced fumbles, and a sack. 

The Ducks had massive success last season with safety Dillon Thieneman, who was a transfer from the Purdue Boilermakers, and looks to replicate that with Perich this season. 

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