Oregon Football, Michigan State Swap Transfer Portal Defensive Tackles

Ben Roberts, a redshirt sophomore defensive tackle for the Oregon Ducks, announced his commitment to the Michigan State Spartans. Oregon added Michigan State defensive tackle Derrick Harmon from the transfer portal earlier this month.

Bri Amaranthus | May 16, 2024

Jan 1, 2024; Glendale, AZ, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive lineman Ben Roberts (52) against the Liberty / Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

In this story:

The Oregon Ducks and Michigan State Spartans have swapped transfer portal defensive tackles within the last two weeks. The Big Ten conference teams will play each other on October, 5th at Autzen Stadium.

Ben Roberts, a redshirt sophomore defensive tackle for the Ducks, entered the transfer portal last month and announced his commitment to the Spartans via social media on Wednesday.

Jan 1, 2024; Glendale, AZ, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive lineman Ben Roberts (52) against the Liberty / Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Roberts played in five games for Oregon last season, including the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl. A four-star prospect by 247Sports, Roberts is from East High School (Utah).

Roberts' transfer comes just two weeks after Oregon added Michigan State defensive tackle Derrick Harmon from the transfer portal. Harmon was a two-year started for Michigan State.

The addition of Harmon is a key defensive boost for Oregon.

Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 320 pounds, the redshirt junior could make an impact right away. Harmon, who emerged as a formidable force on Michigan State's defensive line last season with 40 tackles, had drawn considerable interest from several top programs, including Ohio State, Florida State, and Miami.

Harmon's arrival at Oregon is timely, as the Ducks also welcome Houston transfer Jamaree Caldwell to strengthen their defensive lineup.

From last season's roster, Oregon lost All-Pac-12 selection Brandon Dorlus and other key players like Popo Aumavae, Taki Taimani, Casey Rogers and Johnny Bowens III.

Oregon football is embracing the transfer portal. Oregon coach Dan Lanning and the Ducks have landed some of the top talent from the best programs in the country via transfer, to solidify the roster as they head to the Big Ten Conference. The Ducks have had 19 players enter the transfer portal to leave the program.

In total, the Ducks have added 14 players and have the No. 2 ranked transfer portal class in the country, according to 247Sports, trailing Ole Miss.

Published May 16, 2024

BRI AMARANTHUS

Bri Amaranthus is an Emmy-winning sports reporter with over 12 years of experience in television, radio, podcasting, and digital sports journalism. She has been with Sports Illustrated for four years, providing breaking news, exclusive interviews, and analysis on the NFL, college sports, and the NBA. Prior to joining SI, Bri hosted NBC Sports Northwest's prime-time television show, where she also served as the Oregon beat reporter and created content covering both the NBA and college sports. Throughout her career, Bri has achieved significant milestones, including covering major events like the NBA Finals, NFL playoffs, College Football Playoff, NCAA Basketball Tournament, NFL Draft, and the NFL Combine. She earned a D1 scholarship to play softball at the University of San Diego and won two state softball titles in high school in Oregon. In addition to her Emmy win for NBC's All-Star Coach special, she has received multiple Emmy nominations, highlighting her dedication and talent in sports journalism.