Oregon’s quarterbacks are getting an education every day in practice, and Koa Ka’ai says the lesson is coming from a defense loaded with NFL futures.
The Ducks already have 54 alums set to play in the league this fall, and Dante Moore is the headliner among this year’s draft prospects. But Ka'ai made it clear after an Aug. 17 practice that he thinks the real pro talent is lined up on the other side of the ball.
"Probably all 11 guys on defense will get a chance to play in the NFL. And that's just the one deep," Ka'ai told reporters following an Aug. 17 practice.
"There's numerous guys behind them that'll get a chance to play in the league," he added. "And so, having to deal with that aspect in practice, like you can't. It's hard to put a value on it."
That group goes well beyond edge rusher Matayo Uiagalelei, who has already picked up some pre-first round buzz. At 6-5 and 270 pounds, Uiagalelei brings a rare mix of size, toughness and burst off the edge that makes him the obvious name to watch.
But he’s not the only Oregon defender drawing attention for what could be ahead. Several players are already being talked about as part of the 2027 draft class, and they give this defense a nasty, pro-ready look.
Bear Alexander and A'Mauri Washington headline the interior. Both defensive tackles use a fast first step to clog running lanes, then leverage their length to drive blockers backward or knock down passes. Their power and violence at the point of attack make them the kind of linemen teams look for when they need a future nose tackle or three-technique.
On the edge, Teitum Tuioti forms a strong pairing with Uiagalelei. The 6-3, 263-pound Tuioti is more of a run-stopper right now, and this season will be a big chance for him to show he can affect the quarterback at a higher level. That challenge gets even tougher with offenses likely focusing extra attention on Uiagalelei.
At linebacker, returning senior Jerry Mixon is emerging as a sleeper name for draft watchers. He posted 57 tackles and two interceptions, and another productive season could push his stock even higher.
In the secondary, Minnesota transfer Koi Perich steps in as the replacement for Dillon Thieneman. Perich brings the kind of instincts that made Thieneman the 25th overall pick to the Chicago Bears, and his versatility stands out too. He can play nickelback, drop into safety or move closer to the line of scrimmage and make life miserable for opposing run games.
Perich is only a junior, which means if he delivers what Oregon expects, he could be in position to leave early. For now, though, he’s part of the defense Ka'ai believes is giving the Ducks quarterbacks a practice field full of NFL-caliber problems.
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