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Oregon Linebacker Bryce Boettcher Eyes NFL, Astros Talks
Boettcher discusses his dual-sport future, preparing for the NFL Combine, and the team he grew up rooting for.
Published on Feb. 12, 2026
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Former Oregon Ducks linebacker Bryce Boettcher is navigating a unique path as he approaches the NFL Draft, having also been drafted by the Houston Astros in 2024. Boettcher is focused on football first, but is keeping his baseball options open. He discusses his competitive drive, his preparation for the NFL Combine, and the team he grew up rooting for - the Seattle Seahawks.
Why it matters
Boettcher's journey from walk-on to the Big Ten's leading tackler and Oregon fan favorite showcases his relentless effort and team-first mentality. As a dual-sport athlete, he provides an interesting case study on balancing professional opportunities in both football and baseball.
The details
Boettcher, who starred for the Oregon Ducks football and baseball teams, is already rising up NFL Draft boards despite also being drafted by the Houston Astros in 2024. He is clear that his focus is on football, but is keeping his baseball options open. Boettcher has been asked by NFL teams about his dual-sport background and has had ongoing conversations with the Astros, who are waiting to see how the NFL Draft shakes out before continuing discussions.
- Boettcher was drafted by the Houston Astros in 2024.
- Boettcher is preparing for the 2026 NFL Combine.
The players
Bryce Boettcher
A former walk-on who became the Big Ten's leading tackler and a fan favorite at Oregon, Boettcher is now navigating his professional future as both an NFL Draft prospect and a former MLB draft pick.
Bo Nix
The former Oregon quarterback who is now a star with the Denver Broncos in the NFL.
Houston Astros
The MLB team that drafted Boettcher in 2024 and is currently in discussions with him about his future.
What they’re saying
“I'd love to tackle Bo Nix as my first tackle.”
— Bryce Boettcher, Oregon Linebacker
“I'm obviously a football guy. I want to play in the NFL.”
— Bryce Boettcher, Oregon Linebacker
“It's just reactions and then following your instincts, like a hundred percent. When you're in the outfield, you see the ball off the bat - you just have to go, you have to react, be instinctual you can't second guess yourself… same with football. If you're playing linebacker, you see the whole open and the running backs going, you can't second yourself. You have to go full speed. So I think that 'balls to the wall' mentality (translates).”
— Bryce Boettcher, Oregon Linebacker
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
Boettcher's journey from walk-on to standout linebacker showcases his relentless effort and team-first mentality, qualities that have made him a rising NFL Draft prospect. As a dual-sport athlete, his story provides an interesting case study on balancing professional opportunities in both football and baseball.
