The Oregon Ducks have bolstered their future defense by securing a commitment from five-star recruit Anthony ‘Tank’ Jones for the class of 2026. This addition comes as the Ducks aim to maintain their reputation for developing NFL-ready edge rushers. As the Ducks prepare for the upcoming season, current star edge rusher Matayo Uiagalelei will return to Eugene for another year, while Jones is expected to play a pivotal role in the team’s defensive strategy moving forward.
Jones, who hails from St. Paul’s Episcopal, is highly regarded in college football circles. During his senior year, he accumulated 100 tackles, 11 sacks, nine pass breakups, and a forced fumble. His performance caught the attention of several top programs, leading to his eventual commitment to Oregon over other prestigious schools, including Alabama, Georgia, Michigan, and Ohio State.
Expert Analysis Highlights Jones’ Potential
In a recent segment on CBS Sports, Andrew Ivins, the recruiting director for 247Sports, provided insight into Jones’ capabilities. He drew a parallel between Jones and Rueben Bain Jr., the standout edge rusher for the Miami Hurricanes. Ivins stated, “I love Anthony ‘Tank’ Jones, the edge rusher. I think he’s the closest thing to Miami’s Rueben Bain in this 2026 class. He’s a thick-cut individual, but he can rush, crush, and close.” Bain, a recipient of the Ted Hendricks Award for the nation’s best defensive end, concluded the 2025 season with 54 total tackles, 9.5 sacks, and other impressive statistics, positioning him as a likely first-round pick in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft.
The Ducks’ defensive lineup appears strong as they return key players, including Uiagalelei and Teitum Tuioti on the edges, along with defensive linemen Bear Alexander and A’Mauri Washington. However, as these core players transition to the NFL after 2026, Jones has the potential to step into a leadership role within the defense starting in 2027.
Coaching Confidence in a Bright Future
Oregon head coach Dan Lanning expressed his enthusiasm about adding Jones to the roster. He emphasized the strong relationships that developed between Jones and the coaching staff, highlighting how these connections played a significant role in Jones’ decision. “This was a great example of a place being a dream school for a player that really came to fruition for Tank,” Lanning noted. “He said, ‘Hey, I don’t care that it’s not close. If this is the place that fits me, that’s where I want to be.’”
Jones’ arrival provides Oregon with much-needed youth at the edge rusher position. The Ducks also recently welcomed transfer Bleu Dantzler from Oregon State and have promising options in redshirt sophomore Elijah Rushing and Nasir Wyatt, who excelled in his freshman season and could contribute significantly as a linebacker or edge rusher.
Despite the returning starting unit, fresh talent often plays a crucial role in the team’s success. Lanning remarked on National Signing Day about the program’s ability to prepare newcomers for on-field contributions. He stated, “We’ve shown that we can get guys ready to play, and they can start to embrace the role that they have. Your role grows as the season progresses.”
As the Oregon Ducks continue to build their program, the addition of Anthony ‘Tank’ Jones signifies their commitment to maintaining a competitive edge in college football and developing the next generation of standout athletes.
