Oregon Defensive End Jordan Burch Questionable For Ohio State Game
Oregon could be without one of its most impactful defenders when it lines up against Ohio State Saturday night in the first-ever top-five matchup at the Ducks’ Autzen Stadium.
According to ESPN college football senior writer Pete Thamel, star defensive end Jordan Burch’s status for the matchup against the Buckeyes is in question after he suffered a lower-body injury in practice on Thursday.
Thamel said Burch suffered a noncontact lower-body injury while going through a practice drill on Thursday, and was helped from the field and reportedly in “considerable” pain.
Losing the services of Burch could be a significant blow to Oregon’s defense, as the 6-6, 295-pound senior has been the Ducks’ most disruptive player off the edge, recording a team-high seven tackles for loss and five sacks, along with 19 tackles, four pass breakups, three quarterback hurries and one fumble recovery.
Burch’s seven tackles for loss and five sacks rank tied-for-18th and tied-for-seventh in the nation this year, respectively, while also ranking third and second in the Big Ten.
Burch’s strong senior season so far and breakout junior campaign with the Ducks in 2023 has propelled him to be one of the top NFL draft prospects in 2025, where, according to ESPN, he is a top-50 prospect.
Luckily for the Ducks — who rank No. 10 nationally in total defense and No. 21 in scoring defense — they have some depth at the defensive end.outside linebacker position to make up for Burch’s absence if he is ruled inactive.
Also creating havoc for the Ducks so far this season are outside linebackers Teitum Tuitoti and Matayo Uiagalelei — the brother of Florida State quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei — who could help carry the load after combining 4.5 sacks and 5.5 tackles through Oregon’s first five games this season.