Oregon Ducks Bolster Defensive Line with Transfer Portal Additions

New defensive coordinator Chris Hampton looks to continue Oregon's defensive success with help from North Carolina's D'Antre Robinson and Louisiana Monroe's Jerome Simmons.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 11:09pm by Ben Kaplan

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The Oregon Ducks are aiming to win their first national championship in program history, and their defense is expected to play a critical role. Under new defensive coordinator Chris Hampton, the Ducks' defensive approach is expected to remain strong, with the defensive line potentially being an X-factor next season. Oregon has added two talented defensive linemen from the transfer portal - North Carolina's D'Antre Robinson and Louisiana Monroe's Jerome Simmons.

Why it matters

Oregon's defense has been a key part of the team's recent success, including appearances in the College Football Playoff. The addition of Robinson and Simmons to the defensive line could help the Ducks maintain their defensive dominance and make a push for their first national championship.

The details

Defensive line coach Tony Tuioti spoke highly of the new additions, saying that Robinson is a 'big body that's athletic' and that Simmons adds depth as 'another big body type' for the Ducks. Tuioti emphasized the importance of having physical, run-stopping defensive linemen in the Pac-12 conference, as well as players who can also rush the passer.

  • Oregon is entering the 2026 season aiming to win their first national championship in program history.

The players

Chris Hampton

The new defensive coordinator for the Oregon Ducks, tasked with continuing the team's defensive success.

D'Antre Robinson

A defensive lineman who transferred to Oregon from North Carolina, known for his size and athleticism.

Jerome Simmons

A defensive lineman who transferred to Oregon from Louisiana Monroe, adding depth and size to the Ducks' defensive front.

Tony Tuioti

The defensive line coach for the Oregon Ducks, who spoke about the new transfer additions and their potential impact.

Dan Lanning

The head coach of the Oregon Ducks, who has led the team to recent appearances in the College Football Playoff.

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What they’re saying

“'D'Antre has been a really good addition to us. He's a big body that's athletic. He can run. He's been to a few programs before he came here. It's just like a lot of the other guys that have come here. We got to be able to delete some of the other things that were bad habits that they created, and try to download some good ones for them that they can use to help them, put them in a situation where they can win.'”

— Tony Tuioti, Oregon Defensive Line Coach

“'You look at Jerome Simmons, another big body type for us. It's hard to find big bodies, especially in the situation we were in, by the time we're done with the season, looking at some guys to fill up our roster. He adds that to our depth, so really good with him.'”

— Tony Tuioti, Oregon Defensive Line Coach

“'You want to have guys that can play the run and be stout, especially in this conference. You can't have enough big bodies in the run game. A lot of teams that are playing deep in the playoffs, like depth is so important, and the biggest thing for us is, how can we find guys that have certain traits?'”

— Tony Tuioti, Oregon Defensive Line Coach

What’s next

The Ducks will continue their spring practices as they prepare for the 2026 season, with the defensive line additions of Robinson and Simmons expected to play a key role in the team's pursuit of their first national championship.

The takeaway

Oregon's defensive line has been a strength for the team in recent years, and the addition of transfer portal players like D'Antre Robinson and Jerome Simmons could help the Ducks maintain their defensive dominance as they aim for their first national title.