A’Mauri Washington Returns for Oregon’s 2026 Season

A’Maury Washington, the Oregon Ducks’ first‑year defensive tackle starter, elected to stay in Eugene for another campaign after the 2025 season. The move came despite his rapid ascent up draft boards and projections as a potential first‑round pick had he opted for the NFL. Washington’s decision signals confidence that one more college year can further sharpen his draft stock.

Why Washington Is Now a Top‑Tier Prospect

Dane Brugler places Washington at No. 2 on his 2027 NFL Draft preseason defensive‑tackle rankings. At 6‑ft‑3 and 330 lb, he brings a hulking presence combined with surprising quickness and heavy hands. In 2025 he regularly collapsed the pocket, pushing through pulling guards and playing a pivotal role in Oregon’s 24th‑ranked rushing defense.

Off the field, Washington’s development mirrors Oregon’s larger rebuilding story. A year ago the Ducks were juggling the loss of two early‑round talent, leaving many questions about the defensive line. By season’s end, Washington had transformed from “unproven” to a recognized asset, according to Brugler’s preseason assessment.

Statistical impact alone tells only part of the story. Last season he recorded 4.5 tackles for loss, including 1.5 against FCS Montana State in the opener. While box‑score numbers can be misleading, the tape of his penetrative play reinforced his NFL evaluation and raised the ceiling on his draft projection.

Partnering with Bear Alexander

Washington’s dominance this year is also amplified by fellow defensive tackle Bear Alexander, who elected to remain in Eugene after his rookie season. Brugler ranks Alexander as the No. 3 senior defensive tackle, just one spot behind Washington. The rare presence of two top‑tier DT prospects on the same roster gives Oregon a formidable interior presence.

The tandem’s synergy could lift Oregon’s defensive front and give the Ducks a legitimate shot at a deep postseason run. Both players hope the increased competition on the line translates into higher draft values next April, turning their current collaboration into a catalyst for NFL success.

What It Means for Oregon and the Draft

For the Ducks, keeping Washington and Alexander together creates a defensive anchor capable of disrupting opponents up the field and protecting the quarterback. The program’s 24th‑ranked rushing defense showcases how the pair already impact the field, and further refinement could push them into the upper echelon of college football.

From a draft perspective, the combined output of Washington and Alexander could reshape the defensive‑tackle market. Their dual returns mean scouts will have two extra months to evaluate them in live game conditions, potentially propelling both into the top‑15 conversation when the draft rolls around.

Oregon’s decision to retain both players reflects a calculated gamble: an extra year of development versus immediate NFL opportunity. If the Ducks can translate that extra season into on‑field dominance and both prospects continue to ascend in rankings, the 2026 recruiting cycle could see a new benchmark for defensive‑tackle talent.

Stay tuned to Ducks Wire for ongoing updates as Washington, Alexander, and the rest of the Ducks prepare for another season of high‑stakes college football.