Oregon’s linebacker room is in transition, and Jerry Mixon is one of the names rising fastest into the spotlight.
With Bryce Boettcher off to the Indianapolis Colts, the Ducks are looking for new voices and new production in the middle of the defense during the 2026 college football season. Mixon, a returning senior, is stepping into that space with a chance to shape both Oregon’s season and his own future. ESPN’s Jordan Reid has already put him on the board as a potential Day 3 pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.
That puts Mixon in the same general draft range where Boettcher landed this year. The Colts took Boettcher with the No. 135 overall pick in the fourth round, and Mixon now has a clear target in front of him: stack a big year, lead a revamped defense under new coordinator Chris Hampton, and keep climbing.
The numbers show why there’s buzz. Through three seasons in Eugene, Mixon has totaled 65 tackles, two interceptions and 1.5 sacks.
His 2025 campaign was his best yet, finishing with 57 tackles, two interceptions and 0.5 sacks. For Oregon, that kind of production matters.
For Mixon, it’s the kind of season that gets scouts paying closer attention.
Leadership is part of the package too, and Mixon has been leaning into that since spring. He described the role this way: “Really, just being more of a leader,” Mixon said. “I really don’t feel that way because we’re all around the same age, but I’ve been more of a leader, just talking out there, communicating with my defense, and being a leader for the young guys.”
He won’t be carrying the load alone. Devon Jackson is back as another veteran presence, bringing 106 tackles, 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble across four seasons with the Ducks.
Nasir Wyatt is another linebacker drawing attention after a strong offseason. Oregon defensive ends coach Kamran Araghi praised his work and compared the sophomore to a Swiss Army Knife. Wyatt played in 2026 with 11 tackles, three sacks and one forced fumble, and the expectation is that he’ll take another step forward.
For Oregon, the hope is that this group can help push Dan Lanning’s team toward its first national championship. For Mixon, the mission is just as clear: lead the room, produce on Saturdays, and turn that Day 3 projection into something more.
The Ducks open the season Sept. 5 at Autzen Stadium against Boise State. Oregon is listed as a 24.5-point favorite by DraftKings Sportsbook, but the Broncos have given the Ducks trouble before. Oregon’s only win in the all-time series came in 2024, when the Ducks edged Boise State 37-34 in Eugene behind Dillon Gabriel in a matchup of Heisman Trophy finalists that season.
Kickoff is set for 12:30 p.m. PT on CBS. For Mixon and Oregon’s linebackers, it’s the first chance to set the tone.
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