Bryce Boettcher’s journey from walk-on to standout linebacker at Oregon has always been about grit, growth, and making the most of every opportunity. And at the 2026 Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama, he did exactly that-turning heads with a performance that screamed NFL-ready.
Boettcher, a former team captain for the Ducks and a dual-sport athlete during his time in Eugene, made a strong impression throughout the week of practices. His physicality was on full display in drills, none more viral than a rep where he bulldozed Penn State running back Nicholas Singleton during a pass protection drill. That clip made the rounds on social media for good reason-it wasn’t just a flash of brute strength, it was a linebacker showing he can bring the heat against top-tier competition.
But Boettcher wasn’t just about the big hits. He showed noticeable improvement in pass coverage reps throughout the week, earning praise from scouts and analysts who liked what they saw from a player many didn’t have on their radar just a few months ago.
Then came the game, and Boettcher didn’t waste a second making his presence felt. He opened the action with a tackle on the opening kickoff and never looked back, finishing with a game-high 10 tackles.
That’s not just a solid outing-it’s a statement. No other defender had more than five, and Boettcher added a pass breakup to round out a complete performance from the inside linebacker spot.
He started for the National team, which fell 17-9 to the American squad, but Boettcher was one of the clear individual standouts. His instincts, motor, and ability to find the football popped all game long.
There was also a bit of pregame drama. During warmups, Boettcher got into it with his own teammate, Tennessee running back Star Thomas.
After Boettcher knocked Thomas to the ground with a shoulder check and offered a hand up, Thomas responded with a couple of shoves and even bounced the ball off Boettcher’s helmet before being separated by teammates. It was a brief scuffle, nothing more, but it added a little edge to what was already a high-intensity showcase.
Boettcher wasn’t the only Duck in Mobile. Long snapper Luke Basso, another Oregon native, quietly had a strong week of his own. He handled his duties cleanly and efficiently-exactly what NFL teams want to see from a specialist.
Now the focus shifts to the next phase of the pre-draft process. Oregon has several prospects to watch in the coming months, with the NFL Scouting Combine and the Ducks’ Pro Day on deck. Tight end Kenyon Sadiq, safety Dillon Thieneman, and offensive linemen Isaiah World and Emmanuel Pregnon are among those looking to build on their college résumés and impress decision-makers at the next level.
But if this past week was any indication, Bryce Boettcher may have already done enough to put himself firmly on the NFL map. From walk-on to Senior Bowl standout, his stock is rising-and fast.