Oregon's Matthew Johnson: A Rising Force on the Defensive Line
Oregon’s 2025 recruiting class didn’t just show up-it showed out. Seven true freshmen burned their redshirts, carving out meaningful roles on a Ducks team that leaned heavily on youth. But while names like Jordon Davison, Dakorien Moore, and Na’eem Offord became familiar to fans, there’s another group of redshirt freshmen waiting in the wings-players who didn’t see as much of the spotlight last season but could be key contributors in 2026.
One of those names? Defensive lineman Matthew Johnson.
A Quick Look Back
Coming out of high school, Johnson was a four-star recruit, ranked 212th nationally and the No. 23 edge prospect in the 247Sports composite. But Oregon didn’t keep him on the edge for long.
Johnson bulked up in a big way before ever taking a snap in Eugene-jumping from the 260s to a listed 295 pounds. That kind of transformation can sometimes slow a player down, but Johnson kept his quickness and added some serious power to his game.
That blend of size and twitch made him an intriguing interior option for the Ducks, and the coaching staff clearly took notice. Johnson played in seven games as a true freshman, including all three of Oregon’s College Football Playoff matchups.
He logged 21 snaps across those postseason appearances, and what stood out wasn’t just that he played-it’s when he played. Johnson saw first-half action in each of those games, a clear sign that the staff trusted him in high-leverage situations.
What He Brings
Johnson’s game is built on explosiveness. Despite the added bulk, he still moves like a guy 20 pounds lighter.
That quick first step and natural leverage make him a problem for opposing guards in pass protection. He’s not just a space-eater-he’s a disruptor.
And that’s a big reason why he saw the field as a freshman, even on a deep defensive line.
But there’s still work to do.
Where He Needs to Grow
The biggest area of improvement? Run defense.
In a 28-snap sample size split evenly between pass and run downs, Pro Football Focus graded Johnson at 65.7 as a pass rusher-solid for a freshman. But his run defense grade came in at just 33.9, the lowest mark on the team. That’s a stat that jumps off the page and points to a pretty clear development focus this offseason.
To be fair, it’s not shocking. Johnson played his high school ball as an edge rusher, and shifting inside at the college level is no small adjustment.
Holding up against double teams, anchoring against interior run blocks-those are skills that take time to develop. The good news?
Johnson has the frame, the motor, and the coaching to make that leap.
Looking Ahead to 2026
With Bear Alexander and A’Mauri Washington returning, Oregon’s interior line is still anchored by proven talent. But there’s opportunity behind them. Terrance Green and Tionne Gray both hit the transfer portal, opening up rotation snaps that Johnson is in prime position to claim.
He’s not a natural nose tackle, so expect him to spell Washington more than Alexander. But don’t be surprised if Johnson becomes a regular part of the rotation, especially in pass-rush packages where his quickness can shine.
And those 21 playoff snaps? They weren’t just filler minutes.
They were a preview. Oregon trusted him on the biggest stage, and that trust doesn’t come easy-especially for a freshman.
If Johnson can take a step forward as a run defender, he won’t just be in the mix-he’ll be a difference-maker.
The Ducks are deep, but Johnson has the tools to carve out a meaningful role in 2026. Keep an eye on No.
- His best football is still ahead of him.