All-Pac-12 Linebacker Jeffrey Bassa Returning to Oregon in 2024

Oregon's linebacker corps gets a big boost heading into the Big Ten.

The Oregon Ducks will return a major piece of their defense in 2024.

Junior linebacker Jeffrey Bassa, an All-Pac-12 selection this season, announced on Wednesday afternoon that he would be returning to Eugene for his senior season.

Chapter IV. pic.twitter.com/bmPjuzD8cA

— Jeffrey Bassa (@Bassa_21) January 4, 2024

Bassa was undecided on whether or not he’d enter the 2024 NFL Draft before the Fiesta Bowl, and he ultimately decided to return to Oregon for his fourth and final season.

The starting linebacker has been a defensive force in Tosh Lupoi’s defense for the past two seasons and became the leader of a run defense that ranked inside the top then this year, putting up career numbers in 2023 with 72 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, a pass deflection and a 45-yard pick-six.

His return as the defensive anchor is critical, as Dan Lanning has emphasized a defense that could stop the run. In 14 games, Oregon’s defense allowed an average of 102.6 rushing yards per game and a total of 10 rushing touchdowns.

Oregon Ducks linebacker Jeffrey Bassa in the Vrbo Fiesta bowl vs. the Liberty Flames :: Darby Winter/Ducks Digest

Oregon Ducks linebacker Jeffrey Bassa raises the defensive MVP award following a win over Liberty in the Fiesta Bowl :: Darby Winter/Ducks Digest

Oregon Ducks linebacker Jeffrey Bassa speaks with reporters following a 45-6 win over the Liberty Flames in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl

Bassa earned All-Pac-12 second-team honors and was named the defensive MVP of the Fiesta Bowl as he led the defense with eight tackles, two quarterback pressures and a tackle for loss. According to Pro Football Focus, he was also the highest-graded linebacker during the 2023 bowl season (85.1).

The 6-foot-2, 230-pound linebacker has 181 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 3 interceptions and a pick-six in his three-year career at Oregon. One of the highlights of Bassa’s career came this year against Texas Tech when he picked off former Oregon quarterback Tyler Shough to seal a win in Lubbock. 

Bassa returning for his senior season will not only help in the continuity of a strong defense, but it will also help his raise his draft stock looking ahead to 2025.

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