Oregon Ducks defensive lineman Bear Alexander will return to the program in 2026. Ahead of the College Football Playoff quarterfinals against the Texas Tech Red Raiders, Alexander explained why he is returning to the program next fall.
defensive lineman Bear Alexander announced he will return to the program in 2026 earlier in December, and ahead of Oregon's College FootballAlexander took the time to highlight the Ducks' culture and the way the program develops players at a high level.
Oregon head coach Dan Lanning walks the sideline as the Oregon Ducks take on the Washington Huskies on Nov. 29, 2025, at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. | Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images “Man, just the development here at Oregon. I feel like just being under coach Lanning, I learned a lot. So, just coming up for another year, maturing more, and just getting that last year under my belt,” Alexander said. Alexander is in his first season with Oregon, spending the 2023 season with the USC Trojans. After a big season with the Ducks, it was expected that Alexander would declare for the 2026 NFL Draft.Alexander spent 1.5 seasons with the Trojans. In 2024, he chose to redshirt after four games with USC. Before USC, he began playing college football with the Georgia Bulldogs. Oregon defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi walks the field during the Oregon Ducks’ Spring Game Saturday, April 27. 2024 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. | Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK Alexander took a big step up with the Oregon Ducks, appearing in all 13 games this season. The defensive lineman has totaled 49 tackles, one sack, and two forced fumbles. He has been a playmaker for the Ducks and will continue to be a crucial player throughout the playoff.The Oregon Ducks have a strong history in developing NFL players, and with Alexander’s success, he will likely be a player to watch in the first round of the 2027 NFL Draft.MORE: Oregon Ducks Could Steal Another Transfer Portal Player From USC Trojans In the 2025 NFL Draft, Oregon had 10 selections, two of which were in the first round. One of the first round picks was defensive tackle Derrick Harmon, and Alexander is on pace to be one of the next first-round defensive linemen selected from the Ducks. Dec 31, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning during the Rose Bowl head coaches press conference at Sheraton Grand LA. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Oregon is still awaiting decisions from several players who could declare for the 2026 NFL Draft, including quarterback Dante Moore and Safety Dillon Thieneman. The ability to send several talented players to the draft each year proves that the Ducks develop athletes at a high level, which will ensure the team is in playoff contention each year.Dec 20, 2025; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning looks on during the fourth quarter against the James Madison Dukes at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images | Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images The season is not over for the Ducks. Alexander will be suiting up to take on the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the quarterfinals of the CFP. As Oregon continues progress through the postseason, the Ducks will need to make sure the defense stays consistent throughout the game. In the first round against the James Madison Dukes, Alexander racked up four total tackles and 0.5 sacks. The No. 5 Oregon Ducks and No. 4 Texas Tech Red Raiders will kick off at 9 a.m. PT on Jan. 1 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.Angela Miele is a beat reporter covering the USC Trojans, Colorado Buffaloes, and Oregon Ducks for On SI. She earned her master’s degree in Communication and Media at Rutgers University and holds a B.A. in English with minors in Writing Arts and Sports Communication and Media from Rowan University. With experience covering several sports, she is focused on building a career in sports journalism, combining her passion for sports and writing.
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