Oregon Ducks defense to adapt scheme with new personnel in 2026

TL;DR

The Oregon Ducks' defense will adapt its scheme for 2026 under new coordinator Chris Hampton, who aims to maintain consistency while implementing his strategies. The team retains a strong defensive line and seeks to improve its secondary performance.

Key points

Chris Hampton promoted to defensive coordinator for Oregon Ducks
Ducks retain a strong defensive line heading into 2026
Defensive scheme will adapt to new personnel
Expectations are high for the secondary's improvement
Hampton's approach varies based on roster and opponents

Mentioned in this story

Chris HamptonTosh LupoiDerrick HarmonJamaree CaldwellJordan BurchDillon Thieneman

Oregon Ducks

When Tosh Lupoi left his post as defensive coordinator for the Oregon Ducks, part of the reason Chris Hampton was promoted to fill the role was to keep some consistency moving into 2026. That's worked out well for the Ducks so far, bringing back arguably the best defensive line in the country and setting big expectations for the young secondary to improve off an already great 2025.

That doesn't mean Hampton isn't ready to do things his way, however. Since he arrived at Oregon in 2023, he has seen how the Ducks have shifted schemes and game plans to fit both the opponent and the roster in Eugene. Heading into 2026, the job is no different.

While the Ducks have typically had a reliable pass rush, which should continue to be the case next season, Hampton's secondary poses an intriguing question for the first-year defensive coordinator to answer this spring.

“My first year here, we were probably primarily a four-down, outside leveraged nickel team," Hampton said on Monday. "My second year, we had Derrick Harmon, Jamaree Caldwell, Jordan Burch. We were more of a three-down, inside leverage nickel team. Last season, we had Dillon Thieneman; we were more of a four-down umbrella safety team. And I think this year we just see, you know, how it pans out."

With Thieneman gone, Minnesota transfer safety Koi Perich has been the subject of many comparisons to the likely first-round pick. A jack-of-all-trades defensive back, Perich has the speed and smarts to play all over the field and has a nose for the ball. Whether he plays deep safety or in the middle like Thieneman, Perich will have a big responsibility for the Ducks' defense in the fall.

Q&A

What changes is Chris Hampton making to the Oregon Ducks' defense in 2026?

Chris Hampton plans to adapt the defensive scheme to fit the new personnel while maintaining some consistency from previous seasons.

How has the Oregon Ducks' defensive strategy evolved in recent years?

The Ducks have shifted from a four-down, outside leveraged nickel team to a more varied approach, including three-down and four-down schemes based on the roster and opponents.

Who are the key players returning to the Oregon Ducks' defense for 2026?

The Ducks are bringing back a strong defensive line, including notable players like Derrick Harmon, Jamaree Caldwell, and Jordan Burch.

What are the expectations for the Oregon Ducks' secondary in 2026?

There are high expectations for the young secondary to improve upon their performance from 2025 under the new scheme implemented by Chris Hampton.