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Oregon DC Chris Hampton lays out expectations for spring game defense
TL;DR
Oregon Ducks' spring game is set for Saturday, showcasing the new roster for the 2026 season. Defensive coordinator Chris Hampton emphasizes the need for players to maintain intensity and enjoy the game despite it being a scrimmage.
Key points
- Oregon Ducks host annual spring game on Saturday
- Chris Hampton emphasizes fast and physical play
- Spring game attendance typically ranges from 30,000 to 50,000 fans
Mentioned in this story
Chris Hampton
Oregon Ducks
Saturday afternoon will be a special one in Eugene, with the Oregon Ducks hosting their annual spring game for the fifth time in the Dan Lanning era. While this scrimmage will give Oregon fans their first look at the new Ducks' roster going into the 2026 season, it will be just one of many game-like scenarios that this team has held over the last several weeks.
Does that impact the intensity from players? After several weeks of fall camp, you often hear teams talk about wanting to play a new team just to have the opportunity to "hit somebody else," but for the Ducks, there is still an expectation that Saturday's action will be fast and physical, despite it being against the same guys they've been playing for weeks.
“I just want to see us go out there and play fast," Oregon defensive coordinator Chris Hampton said on Monday. "Go out there and play fast, play physical, play the way that we've been coached to play. Don't do anything crazy, anything that you didn’t do in practice. You know, don't do it now, because there's a crowd out there."
The crowd should help elevate the intensity for the Ducks, who have played a handful of closed scrimmages thus far this spring. Oregon has a great reputation for fan turnout at spring games, routinely filling Autzen Stadium and bringing in 30,000-50,000 patrons for the event. While this level of attendance can bring out some of the beneficial nerves for players and get them used to the eyes being on them, it can also bring out some of the fun of the day.
"You want to see guys go out there and just play fast, play physical, and honestly, have fun," Hampton said. "You know, this game is fun, and we talk about that, and we want the guys to go out there and enjoy the moment and embrace it.”
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Oregon Ducks expecting fast and physical spring game on defense
Q&A
What are Chris Hampton's expectations for the Oregon Ducks' spring game defense?
Chris Hampton expects the defense to play fast, physical, and to adhere to their coaching without making unnecessary mistakes.
How many fans typically attend the Oregon Ducks' spring game?
The Oregon Ducks' spring game usually attracts between 30,000 to 50,000 fans at Autzen Stadium.
What is the significance of the spring game for the Oregon Ducks in 2026?
The spring game provides fans their first look at the new Ducks' roster and serves as a crucial evaluation opportunity for the coaching staff.
