Oregon’s EDGE Room Knows No Limits

It’s been widely noted by analysts that Oregon returns just four starters this season following the loss of Evan Stewart to a season-ending injury. However, two of those four returners play at one of the most impactful positions on the field – EDGE.

Last season was a historic one for the Ducks, as Matayo Uiagalelei led the Big Ten with 10.5 sacks — the most by an Oregon defender since DeForest Buckner posted the same number in 2015. Pair that with fellow returning EDGE Teitum Tuioti, who added 5.5 sacks of his own in 2024, and the duo alone makes a strong case for Oregon’s pass rush being the strength of the defense in 2025.

But comments from defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi on Monday suggest there could be even more to this story.

“There’s a great competition on the edges,” Lupoi said to open the week. “I’m pleased with Ashton Porter and the way he’s been competing. Nas [Nasir Wyatt] brings a different kind of juice. Elijah Rushing continues to develop and arguably had the best performance in our most recent scrimmage out of everyone in the group. Blake Purchase has grown a lot, and I’m pumped to see where he is from a maturity standpoint — he’s truly another guy competing for a starting spot.”

There’s a lot to unpack, but let’s start with Elijah Rushing and Blake Purchase.

Rushing arrived at Oregon last season weighing 255 pounds, but the coaching staff clearly envisioned him in the Matayo Uiagalelei / Jordan Burch role — lining up as a 4 or 5-technique with his hand in the dirt a majority of the time. To succeed in that position, especially against Big Ten offensive tackles, he needed to add size. That’s exactly what he did. According to Oregon’s fall roster, Rushing is now up to 275 pounds. Combine that with Lupoi’s praise — saying he “had the best performance” in the most recent scrimmage — and it’s clear that Rushing is poised to make a real impact in his redshirt freshman campaign.

While Rushing needed to bulk up, Purchase went the other direction — and the results are just as promising. Reports suggest he could emerge as the true speed rusher Oregon’s defense has lacked in recent seasons. Now down to 245 pounds, Purchase flashed his explosiveness and positional versatility during the spring game, turning heads with his ability to impact plays from multiple spots.

Lupoi’s final remark — “he’s truly another guy competing for a starting spot” — not only highlights Purchase’s standing in the rotation, but also reflects the broader tone in the EDGE room this season — the rent is due every day. Having Rushing and Purchase pushing Matayo and Teitum every single practice causes their level of play to rise knowing there are hungry and talented players looking to get on the field behind them. Elijah and Blake also raise their game knowing that they have to play close to an All-Big Ten level to be on the field consistently this season.

While Uiagalelei, Tuioti, Rushing, Porter, and Purchase are expected to form a deep and explosive EDGE rotation in 2025, Monday’s media availability also brought attention to the future — particularly true freshmen Nasir Wyatt and Tobi Haastrup, with Haastrup drawing some especially strong early reviews.

“He came in really built… when he got here, his head was on fire,” Ashton Porter said on Monday. Linebacker Devon Jackson echoed the sentiment –  “Freak of nature — I thought he was a transfer at first, I can’t wait for him to put it all together.” 

Haastrup’s early praise is especially impressive considering he wasn’t on campus for spring practice — fall camp marks his first real opportunity to show what he can do. The London, England native has only played one season of organized football in his life, yet enters fall listed at 6’4″, 241 pounds. And while Tobi’s story has been told countless times by now, it’s still just as remarkable hearing it the 34th time as it was the first.

The EDGE room stands as a proving ground for what Tosh Lupoi, Dan Lanning, and Tony Tuioti can accomplish from a developmental standpoint. Every single player in the rotation has been hand-picked and recruited by this staff — and now, the results are about to be put to the test. I can’t wait to find out what this group is capable of. It’s just about time to let the dogs loose.