The Oregon Ducks’ pass rush is as good as it gets with two elite players off the edge. To make matters worse for the USC Trojans and other Big Ten teams, the Ducks have an even better player in the interior: Amari Washington.
In a recent article, Dalton Wasserman and Max Chadwick named the Oregon Ducks’ pass-rushing duo of Teitum Tuioti and Matayo Uiagalelei as the 33rd and 34th-best players in the country. Here is what they said about the two:
“Uiagalelei continued to improve in 2025, ranking sixth among qualified Big Ten edge defenders in PFF grade (82.2). His 52 pressures led Oregon and ranked second in the Big Ten. He is also a reliable run defender who can kick inside over offensive tackles when needed. Expect another big season from Uiagalelei as part of what could be the nation’s best defensive line.”
Tuioti is as well-rounded as any edge defender in the country, and his polish shows up both as a pass rusher and a run defender. He was one of just two Big Ten edge defenders to earn 80.0-plus grades in both pass rushing and run defense. Tuioti led the Ducks with 11 sacks and ranked second on the team with 38 pressures. His 58 run stops over the past two seasons rank first among all FBS defensive linemen.”
Both edge rushers will be big reasons why the Ducks’ defense will be feared this season and why this team has a legitimate shot at a title. They will be a main focus for their opponents, and with how disruptive they can get together, I would not be surprised if they win the Ducks games by themselves. Week 5 vs USC will be a game in which this tandem will be a big deciding factor for what the outcome will be.
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This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Oregon Ducks’ pass rushing duo will need to be stifled by USC O-line
Reporting by Micah Huff, Trojans Wire / Trojans Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Micah Huff, Trojans Wire | USA TODAY Network
