Autzen Audibles: DuckTerritory's Oregon athletics podcast

On this episode of the Autzen Audibles podcast, Matt Prehm and Erik Skopil get together to discuss the biggest wildcards for the 2026 Duck football team. They each select one aspect of the team's offense and then defense and discuss why it could be make-or-break.

Matt Prehm and Erik Skopil break down where they feel most confident about Oregon football’s offense and defense entering the 2026 season.

On this edition of the Autzen Audibles Podcast, DuckTerritory’s Matt Prehm and Erik Skopil conclude their position-by-position preview of the Oregon football roster with a closer look at the Ducks’ defensive back room entering the 2026 season.

On this edition of the Autzen Audibles Podcast, DuckTerritory’s Matt Prehm and Erik Skopil continue their position-by-position preview of the Oregon football roster with a closer look at the Ducks’ linebacker room entering the 2026 season.
After breaking down the defensive line, the series now shifts to the second level of Oregon’s defense. Prehm and Skopil go player-by-player through the linebacker position, discussing the projected depth chart, returning contributors, players pushing for bigger roles, and the biggest questions facing the group before the season begins.
Oregon has talent and athleticism at linebacker, but this is also a room where roles, rotations, and consistency will be major offseason storylines. The Ducks return important pieces such as Jerry Mixon and Devon Jackson, while also needing continued development from the rest of the room to build reliable depth behind the top options.
The discussion focuses on how Oregon’s linebackers fit within Chris Hampton’s defense and how the position can help tie everything together between a talented defensive front and a secondary filled with playmakers. From run fits to coverage responsibilities to communication, the linebacker room will be central to Oregon’s defensive success.
The episode also dives into potential breakout candidates, special teams value, and how the Ducks could structure their linebacker rotation during the 2026 season.

On this edition of the Autzen Audibles Podcast, DuckTerritory’s Erik Skopil and Matt Prehm continue their position-by-position preview of the Oregon football roster with a closer look at the Ducks’ defensive line room entering the 2026 season.
After working through several offensive position groups, the series now shifts to the defensive side of the ball and starts in the trenches. Skopil and Prehm go player-by-player through Oregon’s defensive line, discussing the key returners, expected contributors, young players pushing for roles, and the overall expectations for a group that should be one of the most important units on the roster.
Oregon enters the season with high-end talent and proven experience up front, headlined by veteran pieces such as A’Mauri Washington and Bear Alexander. The Ducks also have several rotational options and younger players who could factor into the depth chart as the coaching staff looks to build a reliable group capable of holding up over the course of a Big Ten schedule.
The discussion focuses on how Oregon’s defensive line can impact the entire defense. If the Ducks can consistently control the line of scrimmage, generate pressure, and create disruption against the run, it should make life easier for the linebackers and secondary behind them.
The episode also dives into the biggest questions facing the room, potential breakout candidates, and how Oregon’s defensive front could shape the ceiling of the 2026 defense.