Oregon Ducks Defense Returning Best Linebacker In Big Ten?

Oregon Ducks linebacker Bryce Boettcher is returning for another season, a big boost for coach Dan Lanning's program. Boettcher had a big 2024 college football season, but where does he rank among the linebackers in a physical Big Ten conference?

Nov 18, 2023; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium. | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Oregon Ducks had a stellar 2024 regular season, looking to not only run it back in 2025 but also make a deeper playoff push. One of the reasons that Oregon coach Dan Lanning and the Ducks can have another top-tier season is because of returning linebacker Bryce Boettcher.

Pro Football Focus ranked the highest graded linebackers returning in the Big Ten conference, with Boettcher at No. 1 with a 89.8 rating. Not only is he the No. 1 linebacker in the conference, but he is also ranked No. 4 in the nation at his position. 

Oregon inside linebacker Bryce Boettcher dances to “Shout” as the No. 1 Oregon Ducks host the Washington Huskies Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. | Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Boettcher joined the Ducks in 2022 as a walk-on and has since progressed each season. 2024 has been Boettcher’s best year yet, leading the team in tackles. He finished the season with 94 combined tackles, two sacks, one forced fumble, and one interception.

Highest Graded Returning Big Ten Linebackers🔥 pic.twitter.com/qp7552ZuoJ

— PFF College (@PFF_College) July 15, 2025

In 2024, the Oregon Ducks had an undefeated regular season, losing the College Football Playoff quarterfinals against the Ohio State Buckeyes. The Buckeyes went on to win the College Football National Championship, and Lanning and the Ducks are preparing to redeem themselves this year. 

Boettcher chose to forgo the 2025 NFL Draft, choosing to spend another season with the Ducks. Boettcher has played both football and baseball with the Ducks, but chose not to play baseball in the spring, instead focusing on Lanning’s program.

Oregon inside linebacker Bryce Boettcher speaks during media day for the Oregon Ducks in Los Angeles ahead of the Rose Bowl Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. | Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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“I love my Ducks, I love my hometown, and you know, if I had another year of eligibility and didn’t use it, I feel like I’d regret it down the road,” Boettcher said in the spring. “100 percent football focused right now and just developing myself as a football player.”

Boettcher will not only be returning to the team in 2025, but he is also one of the veteran leaders on the defense. The linebacker will be wearing the “green dot” for the defense, the player on the field with coach-to-player communication in his helmet.

Dec 30, 2024; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks linebacker Bryce Boettcher (28) during Rose Bowl media day at Sheraton Grand LA. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

“Having the green dot, I think it’s just another opportunity to help the team win,” Boettcher said. “I just try to be myself. Same leader as I was last year, as I’ll be this year. Maybe I’ll try to be a little more vocal,  but I like to lead by example.” 

The Oregon Ducks had a tough defensive unit last season. Oregon’s defense allowed an average of just 19.43 points and 32 total touchdowns.

Boettcher returning to the team adds consistency while being able to help the younger players. In addition to Boettcher, edge rushers Matayo Uiagalelei and Teitum Tuioti are two crucial players returning to the team in 2025. 

Oregon coach Dan Lanning oversees his team as the Fighting Ducks face off against Mighty Oregon in the Oregon Ducks spring game on April 26, 2025, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene. | Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

“If there was an opportunity to have Bryce back, that would be great for him. He certainly deserves it,” Lanning said after the Rose Bowl loss. “He hasn’t played four seasons of football here. I think he deserves that opportunity if it comes his way.”

The Oregon Ducks will face some tough opponents in 2025, including the Penn State Nittany Lions. With Boettcher, Uiagalelei, and Tuioti all returning, the defense should be able to pick up where they left off in 2024.

The Oregon Ducks will kick off the season against the Montana State Bobcats on Aug. 30.