Elijah Rushing Bulks Up, Primed for Breakout Season with Oregon Ducks

After limited playing time in his first two seasons, the former five-star recruit is ready to anchor the defensive line.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 11:04pm

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Elijah Rushing, a former five-star recruit from Arizona, is poised to take on a larger role for the Oregon Ducks this season after spending his first two years primarily as a backup. The 6-foot-5 defensive lineman has bulked up to 285 pounds, allowing him to be more effective against the run and potentially play both on the edge and inside. With established stars Matayo Uiagalelei and Teitum Tuioti moving on, Rushing has an opportunity to showcase his pass-rushing skills and become a difference-maker for the Ducks' defense.

Why it matters

Oregon's defensive line has been a strength of the program in recent years, and Rushing's development could help the Ducks maintain that level of play. As the Ducks look to replace key contributors, Rushing's ability to play both on the edge and inside provides valuable position flexibility that could allow the coaching staff to get the most out of the defensive line rotation.

The details

Rushing, who redshirted as a freshman in 2024 and made just three tackles in seven games last season, has put in significant work in the weight room to get his body ready for a larger role. Defensive line coach Tony Tuioti noted that Rushing has added 35 pounds, going from 250 pounds as a freshman to 285 pounds now. This added size and strength should help Rushing be more effective against the run, an area he struggled with early in his career. With the departures of Uiagalelei and Tuioti, Rushing has an opportunity to seize a starting spot and showcase the pass-rushing skills that made him a top recruit.

  • Rushing redshirted as a freshman in 2024.
  • Rushing appeared in 7 games in 2025, making 3 tackles.
  • Rushing has added 35 pounds this offseason, now weighing 285 pounds.

The players

Elijah Rushing

A former five-star recruit from Arizona who is poised to take on a larger role on the Oregon Ducks' defensive line this season after adding significant weight and strength in the offseason.

Matayo Uiagalelei

An established star pass rusher for the Oregon Ducks who is moving on after the 2025 season.

Teitum Tuioti

Another established star pass rusher for the Oregon Ducks who is moving on after the 2025 season.

Tony Tuioti

The defensive line coach for the Oregon Ducks who has overseen Rushing's development and believes he is ready for a larger role.

Chris Hampton

The defensive coordinator for the Oregon Ducks who will be tasked with integrating Rushing into the defense.

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What they’re saying

“He's put on more weight. He's 285 pounds now. So he's tall, he's long, he's continuing to get bigger and stronger, so he's able to anchor in the run game a lot better. When he first came in here, he was like 250, so trying to anchor in the run game and get as much knock back, he wasn't that strong enough to do that. Now he's growing into his body, which is something that happens with a lot of defensive linemen when they come in; you've got to develop to be able to play that position effectively.”

— Tony Tuioti, Defensive Line Coach

“He always was able to provide some pass rush ability for us, but it was really like, can you improve in the run game and be more stout there for us? And that's been a point of attack for him, and he's done a really good job of making that a point of focus, and it's showing up in practice, which is awesome because he's another player that has that position flex to play the edge, slide inside, and also be able to rush from the interior.”

— Tony Tuioti, Defensive Line Coach

What’s next

Rushing will look to earn a starting role on the Oregon defensive line during spring and fall practices, with the goal of becoming a key contributor for the Ducks in the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Elijah Rushing's development over the past two seasons, culminating in a significant weight gain, has positioned him to potentially break out and become a disruptive force on the Oregon defensive line. His ability to play both on the edge and inside gives the Ducks' coaching staff valuable flexibility as they look to replace key contributors from last season.