The Oregon Ducks just landed a major reinforcement on the defensive line with the commitment of D’Antre Robinson, a transfer who brings both size and experience to a unit that’s returning its starters but took a hit in depth this offseason.
Robinson, who made his official visit to Eugene on Friday, chose the Ducks over Auburn and announced his decision Sunday evening. It’s a big win for Oregon, especially considering the attrition they’ve faced along the defensive front in the wake of the transfer portal window.
At 6-foot-4 and 315 pounds, Robinson is a physical presence in the trenches. He was originally a four-star recruit out of Florida, committing to the Gators in the 2024 class. As a true freshman in Gainesville, he logged 16 tackles, a sack, and a fumble recovery-solid production for a first-year player adjusting to SEC competition.
After transferring to North Carolina, Robinson took a noticeable step forward. He recorded 39 tackles, forced a fumble, recovered another, and added half a sack to his stat line. That kind of jump in production speaks to his development and his ability to adapt quickly to new systems-something Oregon’s coaching staff will surely value.
Robinson enters Oregon with two years of eligibility remaining and a redshirt in hand, giving the Ducks flexibility in how they deploy him. He’s expected to contribute in 2026 and could very well push for a starting role in 2027.
According to 247Sports, he was the top remaining defensive lineman available in the portal as of Sunday, and he checks in as the No. 15 interior defensive lineman and No. 167 overall player in this cycle. His transfer rating of 89 reflects his potential impact.
With Robinson now in the fold, Oregon has officially seen all of 247Sports’ top 68 ranked interior defensive linemen in the portal make commitments. That’s a wrap on the top-tier DL market for this window.
The Ducks’ starting front is staying intact, which is a huge plus. Defensive tackle A’Mauri Washington recently confirmed he’s returning, joining Bear Alexander, who had already announced his return. Outside linebackers Teitum Tuioti and Matayo Uiagalelei are also back, giving Oregon continuity at the top of the depth chart.
But while the starters are staying put, the reserves have moved on. Oregon saw a wave of defensive linemen and outside linebackers hit the portal, including Xadavien Sims, Tionne Gray, Terrance Green, Jericho Johnson, Blake Purchase, Ashton Porter, and Tobi Haastrup. All of them have already landed at new programs: Green is off to Alabama, Gray to Notre Dame, Johnson to Cal, Sims to Arkansas, Purchase to Ole Miss, Porter to Houston, and Haastrup to West Virginia.
This flurry of departures made it critical for Oregon to restock, and Robinson’s commitment is a big step in that direction. He’s not just a body to plug into the rotation-he’s a legitimate talent who could grow into a key piece of the Ducks' defensive plans moving forward.
The NCAA transfer portal officially closed on Friday, with a 48-hour window for schools to wrap up paperwork. That means the door is shut for new entries, but players already in the portal can still be recruited throughout the offseason. It’s worth noting that the NCAA eliminated the spring portal window this year, making this winter cycle even more important.
For Oregon, Robinson’s addition is timely and strategic. He fills a need, brings upside, and gives the Ducks another weapon in the trenches as they gear up for the future.
