Our Oregon football program has been firing on all cylinders since day one of the season, and a ton of young talent has started to rise up the depth chart. Alongside the young Ducks, there’s one player who’s shock-and-awed all three games of the season so far. My personal “Best Defender of 2025” entering week four is Bryce Boettcher.

Oregon Football: 2025's Best Defender So Far

Alex, I think your numbers are very compelling...yet Mixon was given B1G Defensive Player of the Week. I think it was our own Mike West who told me that he thought Mixon's instincts in recognizing the play to getting to the gap was superior to Devon Jackson, and certainly it appears that Mixon has superb anticipation in the passing lanes!

To me...it is "Good-or-Good."

Is Beavis Ready for His Beat-Down?

Mixon has more of the natural instincts and isn't caught out of position as much as Jackson. Jackson seams to take less than optimal angles leading to arm tackles or being just a step behind a WR sometimes he can makes up for this with speed and sometimes he gets burnt. Jackson had gotten better at this but feels like the guy who never learned a technique because he's just so naturally talented.

I lost track of where I saw it.. but the three linebackers all have very similar snap counts against Northwestern. Jackson had the most, then Mixon, and then Boettcher. I think Oregon's linebackers are fantastic this year as a group.

I’ve personally really enjoyed watching the versatility, instincts and skill of Dillon Thieneman. It’s fun watching Thieneman come up to the line of scrimmage and plug holes and make tackles like a linebacker, while also dropping back in coverage and breaking up passes. It’s only a matter of time before he picks off a pass.

Matayo Uiagalelei has also been terrific (as has Teitum Tuioti on the other side). I would not want to be a QB on 3rd and long. Matayo is average one sack per game!

I don’t know how you could list a linebacker or defensive tackle, given the rushing defense, thus far. However, Mixon appears to be the best of the bunch to me but it might be our weakest unit on defense.

Edited 2 hours ago2 hr by OregonDucks

Defensively, we are solid. Approximately, 10 points allowed per game, even when accounting for late touchdowns when many starters are on the sidelines.

Our defensive tackles should improve as the season plays out. Have to remember that they are big bodies, but they are still developing their in game skills working together. The linebackers will definitely benefit as they improve.

I think Bryce embodies the term “special player.” How did he get overlooked coming out of high school for baseball, and football? He then worked his a$$ off to develop into a top player for both teams. Have to love a guy who bleeds yellow and green.