Former Oregon Defensive Stars Gain Buzz in NFL Preseason Week 3

Former Oregon Ducks on the defensive side of the field headlined the latest slate of NFL preseason games.

Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jabbar Muhammad (37) is interviewed after Day 11 of NFL training camp at the Miller Electric Center on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

The third week of NFL preseason games was up and down in terms of the performances from former Oregon Ducks in the league.

A pair of young defensive players continued to build off their first preseason outings, while two rookie Ducks had mixed results in their matchup, plus former star quarterback Bo Nix earned some preseason snaps with a highlight play.

Jabbar Muhammad With Another Positive Showing

Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jabbar Muhammad (37) runs out of the tunnel while being introduced before the game against the Carolina Panthers at EverBank Stadium in the second preseason game on Friday night, August 21, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union] | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

The Ducks’ biggest surprise of the NFL preseason is arguably former cornerback Jabbar Muhammad. After a standout transfer season at Oregon in 2024, Muhammad went on to go undrafted in 2025.

He signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent as a rookie, but didn’t make the cut for the 53-man roster. Muhammad is making a strong case to make the cut in 2026 between his two preseason performances.

His first outing featured six tackles and a clutch game-winning pass breakup vs. the New Orleans Saints. Muhammad replicated his tackle production with six in his second preseason game vs. the Carolina Panthers.

Bryce Boettcher Shows Physicality Again

Jun 10, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bryce Boettcher (50) participates in a drill during minicamp at Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Linebacker Bryce Boettcher appears to already be playing with the same chip on his shoulder in the pros as he did when he was a walk-on at Oregon.

The Indianapolis Colts fourth-round pick recorded three tackles in his preseason debut, which he backed up with four in his second preseason performance.

But it isn’t Boettcher’s statistical performance that’s garnering attention. His physicality is drawing buzz and is showing his grit despite being undersized. Boettcher’s first performance was highlighted by a big hit vs. the New England Patriots.

His latest performance was headlined by a tackle for a loss against the Atlanta Falcons, getting into the backfield during the second quarter.

Nice TFL here for Bryce Boettcher 👀 #ProDucks pic.twitter.com/Lz50nj8vzU

— Oregon Updates (@oregon__updates) August 22, 2026

Malik Benson, Noah Whittington Match Up With Mixed Results

Aug 20, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Malik Benson (19) attempts to make a reception during the game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Former Oregon teammates Malik Benson and Noah Whittington faced off for the first time in the NFL preseason. Benson, a receiver for the Las Vegas Raiders, turned heads in his first preseason game with two receptions for 26 yards and a long of 19.

Benson’s second showing featured one reception for 18 yards, but he was targeted five times. It appears that the sixth-round pick out of Oregon has built the trust of his teammates, earning praise after Sunday’s practice.

"You can just see he's being important to the team,” Raiders cornerback Eric Stokes said, per ESPN’s Ryan McFadden. “Even from the start of training camp with him, just him being a vertical threat. But now he's able to do intermediate routes. He's able to break it down ... He's gonna be one of the guys we're gonna lean on in the future."

On the other side of the matchup, Whittington, the running back, carried the ball nine times for 11 yards and a long of eight. Whittington notched 13 carries for 40 yards in his preseason debut.

Bo Nix Turns Heads With Touchdown

Aug 21, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) in the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Ducks’ first starting quarterback in the Dan Lanning coaching era, Bo Nix, returned to action for the Denver Broncos in the second week of preseason. He didn’t look like he missed a beat after going down with a fractured right ankle in the NFL postseason.

Nix underwent two offseason surgeries but still looked as solid as ever vs. the Green Bay Packers. In 14 snaps, Nix completed six of his nine passes for 76 yards and a touchdown.

Highlighting Nix’s six completions were a 35-yard pass to receiver Jaylen Waddle and a 21-yard touchdown pass to running back RJ Harvey. If Nix is fully healthy and his latest preseason performance is any indication, the former Oregon Heisman Trophy finalist could be in store for another standout season.

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