Oregon is putting a hard number on how disruptive it wants to be in 2026: a havoc rate above 20 percent.
That’s the benchmark edge assistant coach Kam Araghi said the Ducks are tracking throughout practice, and it signals exactly where this defense wants to go after a 2025 season that left room for more. Oregon finished 44th nationally with 30 sacks and 53rd with 74 tackles for loss, while also ranking 54th in third-down defense by allowing opponents to convert 38.07 percent of their chances.
Defensive coordinator Chris Hampton has made those numbers a clear offseason focus.
"We have to do a much better job," Hampton said. "We have four defensive linemen returning, so creating more havoc is a major area in which we have to improve. We need more tackles for loss and more sacks."
For Araghi, the message starts well before Saturdays arrive.
"Watching them do it day in and day out in practice - that's ultimately what it's going to be," Araghi said. "What shows up in practice is what's going to show up on game day. We can't pretend like it doesn't happen in practice and all of a sudden they're getting turned on on Saturdays."
"I don't believe in gamers."
The Ducks are also looking at ways to put their pass rush in better positions to finish. Hampton said third down is central to that effort, with Oregon aiming to force more obvious passing situations instead of relying on the front to win in easier-down-and-distance spots for the offense.
"We have to sack the quarterback and finish," Hampton said. "Maybe we can call the game a little differently, but it is also about emphasizing getting opponents into third-and-long.
"It is going to be difficult to sack the quarterback on third-and-medium or third-and-short. When you create third-and-long, you have a better chance."
There is experience to work with on the edge, too. and Teitum Tuioti are back at edge, and Oregon also has younger players pushing to carve out roles behind them. Araghi said the rotation won’t be capped in advance.
"I think it's going to come down to who's playing above-the-line football and who's playing winning football for us," Araghi said.
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