Oregon needs its pass rush to get home with a bit more frequency in 2023.

The Ducks were tied for 125th nationally in sack rate last season — better than only five other FBS programs. Be it standard downs or passing downs where they had a theoretical advantage, they weren’t able to bring the quarterback down. They were also just generally ineffective at finishing plays in the backfield, ranking 122nd in tackles for loss.

In the offseason, the Ducks put a heavy emphasis on remaking the defensive front.

The 2023 signing class brought in top-50 edge Matayo Uiagalelei, top-150 edge Blake Purchase, and five other blue-chip defensive linemen. Former 5-star recruit Jordan Burch transferred from South Carolina.

Brandon Dorlus and Casey Rogers return to lead the group. Senior Popo Aumavae should be back in the picture after missing the 2022 season. If he returns to the all-conference level he played at in 2021, it’s another experienced option up front.

There’s size, depth, experience, and plenty of potential.

And the Ducks think that mixture will pay dividends in 2023.

“I think we have better depth, better understanding of what we’re trying to accomplish,” coach Dan Lanning said at Pac-12 Media Day in Vegas. “We have done a good job in recruiting, bringing some great talent in that can make us better there.”

Rogers got a specific call-out from Lanning for being one of the more vocal guys in the front seven.

“That leadership, it means a little bit more coming from a player than it does a coach,” Lanning said. “When Casey Rogers has something to say, he’s speaking to a freshman, I think they hear the message a little bit better.

“One thing you’re excited about is when you start to hear your players say the same message they hear from you. They’re the ones that live it day to day. I’m going to play zero snaps for Oregon this year, but those guys are going to be playing a lot of snaps. It’s important they understand what the goals are of the team. When you have some veteran leadership, that certainly helps.”

There’s going to be the natural schematic growth from Year 1 to Year 2 — or, at least, coaches hope for it — but the influx of talent is being felt.

“I think Tosh (Lupoi) and Lanning have done a good job in the offseason program with getting guys to fit the right narrative and the right set for what they want to do with the defense, call a whole lot of different things,” linebacker Jeff Bassa said.