Why Oregon Ducks Are Perfect Fit For Transfer EDGE Bleu Dantzler

Former Oregon State Beavers EDGE Bleu Dantzler announced he is transferring to the Oregon Ducks. Despite a lack of playing time, Dantzler's decision could boost his trajectory as a player.

Oregon head coach Dan Lanning speaks during the coaches press conference in Los Angeles Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, ahead of the Rose Bowl. | Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Oregon Ducks staff has been active in the portal as the transfer program looks to add key pieces to its roster. Former Oregon State Beavers EDGE Bleu Dantzler is one of the latest players joining the Ducks, staying in the state to continue his collegiate career.

Dantzler spent just one season with the Beavers before entering the portal. Despite seeing game action one time in 2025, Oregon coach Dan Lanning and the Ducks are gaining a talented athlete who can develop into a key player.

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 | Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images

Dantzler announced his decision to transfer to Oregon via his Instagram.

Bleu Dantzler’s Potential With Oregon Ducks

Dantzler joined Oregon State as a three-star recruit, a top 10 prospect from Arizona, according to 247Sports. In his senior season of high school, he recorded 11 sacks, 37 tackles, three forced fumbles, and 24 quarterback hurries.

He showed his potential in high school, but has yet to show his skills at the college level. Dantzler only appeared in one game, against the Washington State Cougars, in which he recorded just one tackle. 

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

Transferring to Oregon, the edge rusher is heading to a program that has a strong history of developing defensive players. Since Lanning took over the program, Oregon’s defense has been a dominant unit.

One of the stars of Oregon's defense in 2025 was linebacker Bryce Boettcher, who joined the football team as a walk-on in 2022, initially committing to the program for Baseball in 2021. Despite not playing football since high school, Boettcher developed into an elite player with Oregon, finishing 2025 as the team’s leading tackler.

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Oregon Ducks Bolstering Defenive Line

The Oregon Ducks have reached 28 transfer portal departures, but the addition of Dantzler shows the team is addressing the needed positions.

Oregon head coach Dan Lanning speaks during the head coaches’ press conference ahead of the Peach Bowl at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, Georgia, on Jan. 8, 2026. | Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Oregon has lost several defensive linemen through the portal, including two edge rushers, Blake Purchase and Tobi Haastrup. Bringing in a developmental player such as Dantzler provides key depth to the defensive line and a potential star in the making.

Dantzler is the second player of the position to commit to Oregon, joining former Clemson Tigers edge Markus Dixon, who can also play tight end. Neither Dantzler nor Dixon has really seen the field at a college level and will be players for Lanning and the staff to develop.

The addition of Dantzler put the Oregon Ducks at over 10 portal additions. Also joining the team on the defensive line is former four-star JUCO recruit Jerome Simmons. Simmons spent the 2025 season with the Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks and has a chance to compete for playing time in 2026.

Nov 18, 2023; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive lineman A'Mauri Washington (58) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Ducks are adding key depth that will help bolster the defensive line, which will have notable returning players in the fall, including Matayo Uiagalelei, Teitum Tuioti, and A’Mauri Washington.

Tuioti led the Ducks in sacks last season (9.5) while Uiagalelei was not far behind with six. Washington was a playmaker as well, with 33 total tackles and seven passes defended.