Oregon Ducks defense to adapt scheme with new personnel in 2026

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.