Chris Hampton isn’t easing into the conversation about Devon Jackson. He’s putting the linebacker front and center.
As Oregon prepares for the 2026 college football season, most of the attention will land on the Ducks’ offense and star quarterback Dante Moore. But the defense has plenty of its own weight to carry, especially with the program chasing its first national championship. That starts in the middle of the field, where Jackson is expected to help anchor the linebacker group after Bryce Boettcher’s departure to the NFL.
Jackson is back healthy after an injury kept him out of spring practice, and Hampton made it clear he sees a bigger season ahead.
“I think we could do a lot with him. I’m really excited about Devon.
I think we have a dynamic season. I really do.
Man, this guy’s worked extremely hard. He’s got all the physical traits to be a really good player for us.”
“I think he is really driven right now. He’s worked extremely hard in the offseason.
We’ve had a lot of one-on-one meetings, and I like where he’s at right now. He’s playing physical.
He’s playing fast, and I expect him to have a great season.”
Now entering his fifth year with Oregon, Jackson has steadily carved out his place since starting with the Ducks in 2022. Over four seasons, he’s piled up 106 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, and one forced fumble, production that has made him a dependable part of the defense.
This year, the ask is bigger. Boettcher wasn’t just a leader in the linebacker room - he was a voice for the whole defense. Replacing that kind of presence doesn’t happen overnight, but it does open the door for someone like Jackson to step into that role.
He won’t be alone.
Jerry Mixon is back as another senior presence, and sophomore Nasir Wyatt is also positioned for a meaningful season. Mixon brings three seasons of experience and has totaled 65 tackles, two interceptions, and 1.5 sacks.
His best stretch came last season, when he posted 57 tackles, two interceptions, and 0.5 sacks. After Oregon’s 34-14 road win over Northwestern in Week 3, where he finished with five tackles and an interception, he was named Defensive Player of the Week.
Oregon will be looking for more of that kind of production from Mixon, while Wyatt continues working toward becoming an every-down player on defense.
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