Oregon’s defensive line took a hit last weekend-not at the top, but in the trenches behind the starters. With all four starting defensive linemen announcing their return, the Ducks suddenly found themselves facing an unexpected side effect: depth players heading for the exit via the transfer portal. It’s a classic case of roster ripple effect-when the front-line talent stays put, the guys waiting in the wings often start looking for clearer paths to playing time elsewhere.
That puts head coach Dan Lanning in a familiar offseason position: reloading. And with spring ball on the horizon, the transfer portal becomes more than just an option-it’s a necessity.
Enter Jerome Simmons.
The 6-foot-4, 340-pound defensive tackle from UL Monroe is expected to visit Eugene in the coming days, according to CBS Sports’ Chris Hummer. And make no mistake-Simmons could be exactly the kind of interior presence Oregon needs to restore some muscle to its defensive line rotation.
Simmons’ journey to this point has been anything but linear. He started his college career at Highland Community College, where he spent two seasons and emerged as one of the top JUCO defensive linemen in the country.
Rated as a four-star prospect and the No. 2 JUCO defensive lineman in the 2024 class, he committed to South Carolina with high expectations.
But things didn’t click in Columbia. Simmons redshirted in 2024 and didn’t appear in a single game for the Gamecocks.
After the season, he transferred to UL Monroe, where he saw the field in eight games and posted 10 tackles and a pass breakup. Not eye-popping numbers, but considering his size and raw potential, there’s plenty to work with.
Now, Simmons is back in the portal, looking for a landing spot where he can make an impact in his final year of eligibility. Oregon is in the mix, along with NC State and Florida, both of whom he’s also scheduled to visit.
For the Ducks, this is more than just a depth move. With so many rotational pieces gone, Simmons could step in and provide immediate help on the interior. His size alone makes him a tough assignment in the trenches, and with a year of FBS experience under his belt, he’s not coming in cold.
Dan Lanning and his staff have been aggressive in the portal before, and this is the type of addition that fits their mold-high-upside, physically gifted, and ready to contribute right away. If Simmons chooses Oregon, he won’t just be filling a spot-he’ll be stepping into a role that matters on a team with real postseason aspirations.
And with spring practices fast approaching, the clock is ticking.