As the Oregon Ducks enter their first season in the Big Ten Conference, there is widespread skepticism as to whether the Ducks football team can match the physicality of its new conference. How will former Pac-12 Conference teams like Oregon, USC, UCLA and Washington cope with defensive-minded conference play?
This offseason, the Ducks acquired former Michigan State defensive lineman Derrick Harmon, former Houston defensive lineman Jamaree Caldwell, and former Indiana offensive lineman Matthew Bedford through the transfer portal. , reinforced the trenches.
Oregon State's transfer portal class is No. 1 in the Big Ten and No. 2 in all of college football.
January 1, 2024. Glendale, Arizona, USA.Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning vs. Liberty Flames
Mark J. Revillas-USA TODAY Sports
Oregon's spring game also shows the Ducks are ready for Big Ten contention. Some college football teams don't make tackles during spring football games, but the Ducks (with the exception of the quarterback) did their best.
After the spring game, Oregon coach Dan Lanning talked about the importance of grit and preparation.
“Soccer requires a certain level of effort and physicality, but it doesn't just happen,” Lanning said. “We have to practice that. Are we being smart with our players? Yes, absolutely. But we want to take advantage of every opportunity on the field. ”
Is it an overreaction to say Oregon will be one of the most physical teams in the Big Ten?
ESPN analyzed top college football stories and wrote, “When the Big Ten game comes, I think Oregon State will be more than equipped to take on its opponents.”
In 2023, Oregon State's offensive line was one of the best in the nation, leading the FBS in sacks allowed with just four. The Ducks also ranked among the top teams in the nation in pass-blocking rating of 89.7, according to Pro Football Focus.
Looking at the new Ducks moving there, I think we'll see more tenacity in the Oregon tranche…
Defensive lineman Derrick Harmon: He transferred from Michigan State. The 6-foot-5, 320-pound redshirt junior emerged as a formidable force on Michigan State's defensive line last season, recording 40 tackles.
Offensive lineman Matthew Bedford: Transferred from Indiana. The 6-foot-6, 305-pound lineman has started 38 of the Hoosiers' 41 games over the past five seasons. Bedford flipped his commitment from Colorado State to Oregon State.
Defensive lineman Jamaree Caldwell: Transferred from Houston. During his time in Houston, the 6-foot-1, 325-pounder primarily played two inside tackle positions, but he was also effective when shifted to the left side of the defensive line. In two years and 20 games with Houston, he totaled 39 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and 8.5 sacks. The redshirt junior has one season of eligibility remaining.
