The Oregon Ducks have earned their first Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week honor of the 2025 season, with junior linebacker Jerry Mixon receiving the prestigious award on Monday, September 15, 2025. This recognition comes after Mixon’s pivotal performance in the Ducks’ dominant 34-14 victory over Northwestern on the road during the conference opener.
A Breakout Junior Season
Mixon, a junior from San Francisco, has been a revelation this season, showcasing a remarkable ability to find the football. In the win against Northwestern, he recorded five tackles, matching his career high, and also added a crucial tackle for loss. The highlight of his performance was an interception, his second in as many games, which he returned 36 yards to set up Oregon’s fourth touchdown of the contest. This interception streak makes him the first Duck since Khyree Jackson in 2023 to pick off a pass in consecutive games.
Nationally, Mixon is tied for sixth in the country with two interceptions and leads the Big Ten in the category. His 62 interception return yards rank 12th nationally. Pro Football Focus has graded Mixon exceptionally high, ranking him No. 1 among qualified FBS linebackers with a 91.5 overall defensive grade and second among all linebackers with a 92.7 pass coverage grade. This marks a significant leap from his previous seasons, where he played a more limited role, often on special teams, and accumulated a total of just eight tackles over his first two years combined.
The Rise of an Unheralded Recruit
Mixon’s journey to becoming an award-winning starter is a testament to his development and patience. Originally recruited as a running back and linebacker from Sacred Heart Cathedral Prep in San Francisco, he was considered an unheralded three-star prospect. It has taken him three years within the Oregon program to earn a starting position. His coaches, including linebackers coach Brian Michalowski, have praised his development, noting that his patience and extensive practice reps behind veteran players have been invaluable. Head coach Dan Lanning has also highlighted Mixon’s ability to “bait opposing quarterbacks into poor passing decisions” and his knack for being in the right place at the right time.
Context: Oregon’s Season and Freshman Impact
The Oregon Ducks are currently enjoying a strong start to their 2025 Big Ten campaign, holding a 3-0 record and ranking No. 6 nationally. The team is navigating a period of significant roster turnover after losing 18 players from the previous season, which saw them win the Big Ten title. This has led to an increased reliance on the talented 2025 freshman class, which was ranked fifth nationally. While Mixon himself is a junior, the team’s overall youth is a key storyline. Prominent freshmen like wide receiver Dakorien Moore and cornerback Na’eem Offord are expected to make immediate impacts.
Mixon’s individual award is the first for an Oregon player in the Big Ten this season, underscoring his emergence as a key defensive playmaker. The Ducks’ defense has been stout, notably not allowing a passing touchdown in their last three games. This defensive news, coupled with a potent offense, has propelled Oregon to the No. 2 spot in the Big Ten power rankings.
Looking Ahead
With this accolade, Jerry Mixon has firmly established himself as a standout performer and a critical component of the Oregon Ducks’ defense as they contend for another Big Ten title. The trending news surrounding his achievement highlights his impressive individual season and the team’s overall strong performance. The Ducks are set to face rival Oregon State next, followed by a highly anticipated matchup against No. 2 Penn State. Mixon’s continued development and playmaking ability will be crucial for Oregon’s sports success as the season progresses.
