Jun 12, 2026 1:54 PM
Boasting sideline-to-sideline speed and NFL aspirations, linebacker Devon Jackson emerges as the vital X-factor for a loaded Oregon Ducks unit eyeing a dominant College Football Playoff run.
The top names that come to mind for Oregon's defense include A'Mauri Washington, Bear Alexander, Brandon Finney Jr., Koi Perich and Teitum Tuioti.
The Ducks are loaded on that side of the ball this season, and they'll need the unit to be stout as they make a run at the College Football Playoff.
Oregon had a strong defense through most of last season, including shutting out Texas Tech in the CFP. But the Ducks struggled against Indiana much like they did a year before in the playoff to Ohio State.
It's something that has to change if they want to win the national title.
With that being said, the Ducks have another player on the roster who could help turn the tide on defense.
Brad Crawford of CBS Sports is projecting Devon Jackson to be a breakout candidate for the upcoming season.
"What stands out most about Jackson is his range," Crawford wrote. "Dan Lanning values linebackers who can play sideline-to-sideline in space, and Jackson possesses the speed and pursuit ability to thrive in that role. Several spring evaluations identified him as the Ducks' most likely breakout player at linebacker because of his ability to close on ball carriers, defend in space, and impact plays across the field.
"The production hints at what's coming. Jackson has already appeared in significant game action during his career and posted solid numbers when given opportunities, including 47 tackles and 1.5 sacks during a productive 2024 campaign with the Ducks."
Jackson is coming into the season feeling pressure to make a leap in his final season at Oregon. He wants to make the NFL, something that won't happen unless he plays much better football this fall.
"It's do or die, like it's my last one," Jackson said, via USA Today. "There's nothing left to hold back. If I don't make it happen this year, then I’ll just be a regular guy. And I feel like I'm too talented to be that.
"I feel I've still got a lot of football left in my life to just let it go in a year, but I'll worry about that later. So, every day my emphasis has been, be where your feet are and treat every day like it's your last."
In a defense loaded with stats, an improved Jackson could make for the best defense in the Big Ten.
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