The Oregon Ducks went into the 2022 season with what many considered the best linebacker group in the nation, led by veteran Noah Sewell and breakout candidate Justin Flowe.
Unfortunately, Flowe never reached his potential thanks in part to injuries, and while Sewell was solid – the unit as a whole was disappointing.
Now both Sewell and Flowe are out the door, Sewell to join his brother Penei in the NFL and Flowe to the Arizona Wildcats via the NCAA transfer portal.
However, Oregon’s linebacker group in 2023 is still expected to produce for coach Dan Lanning, with a few veteran returners like Jeffrey Bassa, transfer portal additions, and up and coming recruits ready to contribute in Eugene.
Spring is the chance for some of those younger players to earn a role this fall, and it gives those transfer additions a chance to acclimate to a new defensive system before the season gets underway.
Below is a look at the likely candidates to battle for a significant role on Lanning’s defense this spring.