Oregon Ducks Powerhouse Duo? Jeffrey Bassa and Jestin Jacobs Ready To Attack Big Ten

After week two of Oregon Ducks fall football practices, linebacker Jeffrey Bassa once again mentions fellow senior linebacker Jestin Jacobs and their quest to be the best linebacker duo in the nation.

Jan 1, 2024; Glendale, AZ, USA; Oregon Ducks linebacker Jeffrey Bassa (2) against the Liberty Flames during the 2024 Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports / Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

During Big Ten Conference media day, Oregon Duck Football senior linebacker Jeffrey Bassa declared that himself and fellow senior Jestin Jacobs were eyeing to be the most successful linebacker duo in the nation. Jacobs, who missed the first half of the 2023 season games due to an injury during the pre-season, is now back to return to Big Ten play since transferring from Iowa to Oregon in 2022.

Once again during week two of Oregon's fall football practices, Bassa praised Jacobs and expressed excitement for the season ahead.

Jan 1, 2024; Glendale, AZ, USA; Oregon Ducks linebacker Jeffrey Bassa (2) against the Liberty Flames during the 2024 Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports / Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

“Amazing teammate. A guy that’s, you know, going to get in the building early and that’s going to stay late,” Bassa said. “A guy that’s always asking questions, that’s always wanting to pick each others’ brains from an o-lineman to a defensive lineman and see, you know, communicate to get on their level so he can trigger and make a play fast.”

Both Bassa and Jacobs are guaranteed to start in their respective positions. Bassa set the tone for Oregon’s defense for the past two years, leading the Ducks in tackles for two consecutive seasons and is a go-to vocal leader. Jacobs, though seemingly not as vocal of a leader as Bassa, contributed to Oregon’s later season success to go 12-2. Jacobs secured the eighth highest tackle count last season, even after missing six games.

Bassa said that finally being back at full health has pushed Jacobs to improve.

“I think that’s changed his mindset tremendously,” Bassa said. “A guy who didn’t really have a lot of spring ball a couple years ago, so a guy that’s attacked it from spring ball all the way till now. His body has changed. The way that he eats, the way that he's taking care of his body. You know, pre-hab and rehab, right? It says a lot about him.”

And it seems like the two truly enjoy playing in tandem on the field due to a bond outside of their athletic careers.

“Me and him have obviously been outside of the facility, hanging out a lot, playing the game,” Bassa said. “Whether that’s going out to eat, you know, just building that type of bond. So, you know, it’s been great.”

Both Bassa and Jacobs will be menaces on the inside not just because of their play but because of their physicality. Bassa and Jacobs are both physically imposing forces and bigger bodies that cause intimidation and athleticism when enacting coverage.

“I think that’s always a plus, right, to have two big linebackers back there that can both do the same thing but also have their specific traits that they bring to the team as well. I think that’s been a good thing,” Bassa said.

Given it’s both of their final years with the green and yellow, this season especially holds the weight of both men’s futures. Bassa especially is rumored to be a big hit in the 2025 NFL Draft. 

“He’s turning into a pro,” Bassa said of Jacobs. “It’s mine and his last year and I know that he’s taking that step towards being a pro.”

So, in both of their final Oregon seasons, it’s going to be fun to see this tandem linebacker duo put the nation on notice.

“I love having him in my room, I love playing next to him,” Bassa said.

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