The spring brought plenty of exciting developments to the football field for the Oregon Ducks. Evan Stewart made his return. Dante Moore launched his Heisman campaign. Koi Perich and other transfers took the field at Autzen Stadium.
The hype train that really took off, however, was along the defensive line. No, not because of the returning veterans, but rather some of the depth that has been developing in the shadows for the past few seasons.
Aydin Breland and Matt Johnson took over the spring game, combining for five sacks and wreaking havoc in the backfield all day long. While spring game statistics should be taken with a grain of salt, it showed that the pieces are starting to fall into place for the young defensive linemen.
Breland has only
added to his “tool bag” this offseason, finding new ways to be effective as a pass rusher, while anchoring down against the run. Playing behind first NFL draft picks A’Mauri Washington and Bear Alexander provides a clear example for Breland to follow, but the spring served as a solid reminder for what the former four-star recruit is capable of.
“I should be as confident in myself as I should be,” Breland said at Oregon’s media day. “I feel like my ability is definitely there. (The spring was) a big confidence booster.”
In his first two seasons with the Ducks, Breland didn’t see much action. Instead, he’s grinded in practice, pushing for a chance to see the field. After much of the defensive line depth left in the transfer portal, Breland is going to get his shot this season, alongside Johnson, who is often Breland’s counterpart as they work together on the practice field.
“We're best friends on and off the field,” Breland said. “We work out together a lot. Me and him specifically bounce a lot of knowledge and game off each other. Me and Matt Johnson work a lot together behind the scenes this offseason."
Johnson saw his role grow as last season went on, appearing in all three of the Ducks’ games in the College Football Playoff. Johnson is only getting bigger and stronger as he pushes for the backup role on the depth chart, and his play, according to Breland, is very similar to one of Oregon’s current stars up front.
“He's just powerful. Behind A'Mauri (Washington), I'd say he's definitely one of the strongest on the team if not the strongest," Breland said of Johnson. "That's a big part of his game. But he also has some finesse to him when it comes to pass rush, similar to myself."
Although the Ducks did bring in more experienced depth with North Carolina’s D’Antre Robinson, Breland and Johnson have made a strong enough impression in the offseason to warrant some attention this fall.
As fall camp begins in Eugene, the battle will only gain more fuel. Breland is well aware of how his spring performance was received amongst his teammates, coaches and fans. However, what matters is what he does on Saturdays in the fall. There is more work to do.
Fortunately, the “tool bag” is full. Now is the time to put it to good use.
“The job is not done,” Breland said. “I had a great spring. I just wanted to be consistent throughout the offseason, through the summer. Just rebuilding the foundation and keep stacking on what I had already done.”
This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Oregon DT Aydin Breland using big spring as 'confidence booster' for 2026
