The Oregon Ducks enter the 2024 season with one of the best roster positions in college football, featuring difference-makers at nearly every position.
While all the attention has been on the offensive line, there's good reason for it: The Ducks also boast one of the best defenses in the nation, led by a dominant defensive line.
That unit will be led by a talented group of edge rushers in Jordan Burch and Matayo Uiagalelei.
But the interior of the defensive line also projects to be one of the best in the Big Ten, thanks in large part to transfers Derrick Brown and Jamari Caldwell, who enter the season as the top defensive tackle in the Big Ten according to PFF.
“If you had to describe Oregon's defensive line in one word, it would be big“All four of the Ducks' projected starters on the edge and interior defensive line weigh at least 270 pounds, with an average weight over 300 pounds,” PFF wrote. “The interior defensive line will be made up of two transfer students in Derrick Harmon (Michigan State) and Jamari Caldwell (University of Houston). Harmon was fourth among Big Ten defensive tackles in 2023 with a run defense grade of 81.1, while Caldwell was fourth in the Big 12 with an 82.0.”
Harmon and Caldwell are two of an elite group of players who have moved to Eugene this offseason, which also includes other talented playmakers such as Texas A&M wide receiver Evan Stewart, Washington cornerback Jabbar Muhammad, Alabama safety Peyton Woodyard and Kansas State safety Kobe Savage.
But now they're entering an extremely competitive Big Ten Conference, where play on the front lines of scrimmage will be more important than ever.
With the additions of Harmon and Caldwell, the Ducks are more prepared than ever for the challenge.
Some of the best defensive lines in the nation include Ohio State, Michigan State, Miami (Florida), Georgia and Ole Miss.
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