Oregon’s defensive line already looks loaded, and freshman Anthony “Tank” Jones Jr. may be pushing his way into the picture sooner than expected.
That was the message from assistant coach Kam Araghi, who spoke with reporters Friday after practice and praised the highly touted newcomer’s mindset. Araghi said Jones has made it clear he’s willing to go wherever the staff thinks he can help most.
“Tank’s like ‘I want to do what’s best for the team and where you guys think is the best spot for me to be able to go produce.’ His mentality has been fantastic.
I think he can fit anywhere,” Araghi said. “I think he’s done an amazing job of giving himself the position versatility to play across the whole line, which is going to give him an opportunity to crack the rotation.”
Jones, a 6-4, 240-pound edge rusher from Mobile, Alabama, arrived in Eugene with serious hype. He was rated a five-star recruit and ranked the No. 5 edge rusher in the 2026 high school class by 247Sports. He also stood out as one of Oregon’s top signees in a 2026 recruiting class Rivals ranked fifth nationally.
The Ducks may not need much help up front, either. Oregon’s 2025 defense gave up just 17.9 points per game, which ranked 12th in FBS, and the front line brings back plenty of production.
Matayo Uiagalelei is set for his fourth season in Eugene after a stretch from 2023-2025 that included 90 total tackles, 25.0 tackles for loss, 18.5 sacks, eight passes defended, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and one interception across 42 games.
Teitum Tuioti is also entering year four with the Ducks. Over 42 games from 2023-2025, he piled up 156 total tackles, 27.5 tackles for loss, 17.0 sacks, seven passes defended and three forced fumbles.
A’Mauri Washington is likewise heading into his fourth season at Oregon. In 37 games from 2023-2025, he recorded 45 total tackles, 6.0 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and 10 passes defended. In 2025, he was named First-Team All-American and Third-Team All-Big Ten.
Bear Alexander will be in his second season with Oregon in 2026. Before joining the Ducks, he played for Georgia in 2022 and USC from 2023-2024. In 2025 with Oregon, Alexander put up 50 total tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, one sack, two fumble recoveries and one pass defended.
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