Oregon Linebacker Nasir Wyatt Focused on Becoming an Every-Down Player

Wyatt looks to build on his strong freshman season and contribute more in all situations under new defensive coordinator Chris Hampton.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 10:25pm by

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting an Oregon linebacker making a tackle, with sharp planes of green, gold, and black representing the dynamic movement and energy of the play.Nasir Wyatt's determination to become an every-down force for the Oregon defense is captured in this cubist-inspired illustration.Eugene Today

Oregon linebacker Nasir Wyatt is entering his sophomore season with the Ducks determined to take the next step in his development. After recording 11 tackles, 3 sacks, and 1 forced fumble as a freshman, Wyatt is focused on becoming an every-down player and contributing more on early downs in addition to his pass-rushing skills on third down.

Why it matters

Wyatt is part of a talented Oregon linebacker room that returns two key starters from last season. His ability to develop into an impact player on all four downs will be crucial for the Ducks' defense as they look to build on a strong 2025 campaign under new coordinator Chris Hampton.

The details

Wyatt spoke about his push to improve this offseason, saying he wants to "be out there as much as I can" rather than just focusing on third-down situations that play to his strengths as a pass rusher. He credits the veteran leadership of fellow linebackers Matayo Uiagalelei and Teitum Tuioti for pushing him to get better, and he's determined to make the most of every opportunity after contributing in a limited role as a freshman.

  • Wyatt recorded 11 total tackles, three sacks, and one forced fumble during the 2025 season.
  • Oregon opens the 2026 season on August 30th.

The players

Nasir Wyatt

A sophomore linebacker for the Oregon Ducks who is looking to take on a larger role in the defense this season after a productive freshman campaign.

Matayo Uiagalelei

A returning starter at linebacker for the Oregon Ducks, who was one of the team's top defensive leaders in 2025.

Teitum Tuioti

A returning starter at linebacker for the Oregon Ducks, who was one of the team's top defensive leaders in 2025.

Chris Hampton

The new defensive coordinator for the Oregon Ducks, who Wyatt credits for helping establish a good foundation for the defense.

Dan Lanning

The head coach of the Oregon Ducks, who has emphasized to Wyatt the importance of making the most of his opportunities.

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What they’re saying

“I feel like really just attacking this offseason and like knowing how to be an all-four-down player, if it comes to getting extra bonus meetings when it comes to different stunts and different movements we have. I feel like a lot of times last year I was kind of just like mainly focused on third down because I knew my skill set, and I know where I could fit in the defense, but I feel like this year I want to kind of be out there as much as I can because I get excitement from making plays.”

— Nasir Wyatt, Oregon Linebacker

“I kind of just focused on every day, you know, looked at everything day by day last year. I just wanted to make a contribution to the team. I loved the program. I love Coach Lanning. I love that he brought me to a good foundation, and then I just wanted to take every moment that I got and just take full advantage of it. Every day, Coach Lanning talked about when you get your opportunity, what you're going to make of it. I just wanted to, every time I got on the field, I just kind of was like just one bullet just trying to just go out there and make a play.”

— Nasir Wyatt, Oregon Linebacker

“It pushes me to be better. I came in here just like last year; it was a bunch of phenomenal guys in the room. Blake Purchase, Teitum Tuioti, and then coming in here now, these two guys coming back, it just kind of made me look at that as, it's more opportunities for me, and then with those guys I'm able to look up to them, and they've been here, they set the blueprint.”

— Nasir Wyatt, Oregon Linebacker

“Really just blessed for every opportunity that I get, it's a lot of people in different programs that's not blessed to be able to take the field on third down, where that's like a dominant down where people get paid money to attack the quarterback on third down Really just being blessed and knowing my opportunity, where I fall into the defense so where even if I don't make a play I'm not selfish like, I'm just going out there trying to be better and better for the team.”

— Nasir Wyatt, Oregon Linebacker

What’s next

Wyatt and the Ducks will continue spring practice as they prepare for the 2026 season, which kicks off on August 30th.

The takeaway

Nasir Wyatt's determination to become an every-down player for the Oregon defense shows his maturity and commitment to improving his all-around game. His ability to learn from veteran leaders like Uiagalelei and Tuioti, while also embracing the coaching of Chris Hampton and Dan Lanning, positions him for a breakout sophomore season as a key part of the Ducks' linebacker corps.