The Oregon Ducks added a key piece to their defensive puzzle on National Signing Day, landing a commitment from four-star defensive lineman Anthony Jones out of Crean Lutheran in Irvine, California. At 6-foot-4 and 285 pounds, Jones brings size, versatility, and a whole lot of upside to a Ducks defensive front that’s keeping its starters intact but needed to replenish its depth.
Let’s break down what Oregon is getting in its newest D-line addition - and why this late-cycle pickup could prove to be one of the more important moves of their 2026 recruiting class.
The Recruitment Journey
Jones’ path to Eugene wasn’t exactly a straight line. The Southern California native originally committed to UCLA back in May of 2025, decommitted in September, recommitted in November, and then opted not to sign during the early window in December. That left the door open for other programs to make a late push - and Oregon took full advantage.
After taking an official visit to Eugene over the weekend, Jones made his final decision on Signing Day, choosing the Ducks over Wisconsin. He becomes Oregon’s lone addition on the traditional February signing day, but it’s a meaningful one.
And just to clear up any confusion - this is not Anthony “Tank” Jones, the five-star edge rusher from Alabama who’s also headed to Oregon. This is a different Anthony Jones, and he’s going to be doing his work on the interior.
What Jones Brings to the Table
Jones is a big-bodied interior lineman with a frame that already looks ready for college football. He’s played all across the defensive front - from lining up directly over the center to standing up as a 7-tech edge - and that kind of positional flexibility is a major asset for a defense that likes to mix things up.
He’s not the twitchiest athlete in the class, but he shows solid movement skills for his size. His short-area quickness pops on tape, especially when he’s working against the run. He’s a bull rusher who can collapse the pocket from multiple alignments, and while he’s still developing his pad level and leverage consistency, the tools are there.
This is a high-floor prospect with the physical makeup to contribute in multiple schemes. The production might not jump off the stat sheet, but the film tells a better story - one of a player who consistently disrupts and creates problems for opposing offensive lines.
The Fit at Oregon
Here’s why this pickup matters: Oregon’s starting defensive front is staying put for 2026, which is great news. But the second unit?
That group took a major hit, with several key reserves moving on. That left the Ducks needing reinforcements - and fast.
Enter Anthony Jones.
He’s not expected to step in and start right away - A’Mauri Washington and Bear Alexander have the starting tackle spots locked down - but there’s a clear opportunity for Jones to compete for a second-team role as a true freshman. And with the kind of attrition that happens over the course of a season, he could be just one or two injuries away from seeing real snaps in 2026.
He’ll be battling with fellow freshman Tony Cumberland for that backup role, and that competition should be one to watch as fall camp approaches. Even if Jones doesn’t see the field much early on, he’s in a prime position to grow into a larger role in 2027 and beyond.
Final Thoughts
This is the kind of late-cycle addition that can quietly pay big dividends. Jones brings size, versatility, and a frame that’s already close to college-ready. He’s a developmental piece with the potential to become a key cog in Oregon’s defensive front rotation - and maybe even more down the line.
For a Ducks team looking to maintain its physical identity in the trenches, Anthony Jones is a welcome addition.