The identity of the 2024 Oregon football team is simple, but terrifying: Defense-focused Oregon coach Dan Lanning and defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi have created a nightmare for opposing Big Ten Conference offenses.
“Our defense is loaded. I think our defense will be the best in the country this year,” Oregon wide receiver Tez Johnson told Oregon Sports Illustrated's Bri Amaranthes. “We have a lot of weapons on our defense that will confuse a lot of people, so that's why I'm excited to go into the Big Ten and show everybody that we're a team that deserves to be in the conference.”
The Ducks' defense returns most of its starters, plus the nation's second-ranked transfer portal class and a promising freshman class.
Which of the Big Ten Conference's top offenses will Oregon's defense have to face? Ohio State, Penn State and Illinois each led the Big Ten in total offense in 2023. Oregon's 2024 schedule favors defenses, as the Ducks will host both Ohio State and Illinois at Autzen Stadium in 2024 and will not play Penn State in the regular season.
The Ducks' edge rush is their biggest strength heading into 2024, anchored by returning defensive end Jordan Burch, outside linebacker Tatum Tuioti and defensive end Matayo Uiagalelei, while new threats include transferred defensive tackles Derrick Harmon and Jamarrie Caldwell.
Teammate Johnson said Oregon's defensive linemen are fast and difficult to block, a defining feature of this year's team.
Oregon's defense ranks in the top three in every major category in the Pac-12 in 2023 thanks to inside linebacker Geoffrey Bassa, the undisputed leader of the defense.
“Geoffrey Bassa is the best communicator I've ever seen,” Johnson told the Amaranths. “He's the captain of the defense, so he gives all the instructions, makes sure everybody's lined up. He's constantly checking in.”
Bassa, a senior, is fresh off his best season to date, finishing with 72 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, a pass deflection and a 45-yard pick-six in 2023. Bassa is a key component of Oregon's potent run defense, which held opponents to 102.57 rushing yards per game last season.
The addition of dynamic cornerback Jabbar Muhammad has energized the defense to challenge Oregon's wide receivers. The 5-foot-10, 183-pound cornerback played last season for the Washington Huskies and was the No. 1 cornerback in the transfer portal this season. In 2023, Muhammad was second in the Pac-12 with 20 passes defensed, while also recording 46 total tackles, three interceptions, one fumble recovery and two sacks.
“Every day in practice with our defensive backs it's like a chess game. One day we win on offense, the next day they (defense) win,” Johnson told the Amaranths.
Looking for an identity for the Ducks in 2024? Look to a strong defensive unit made up of new faces and experienced veterans.
