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Bryce Boettcher, Dillon Thieneman Set the Standard for Oregon’s Defense in 2025

On3 imageby:Justin Hopkins•04/13/25
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(Photo by: Eric Becker/ScoopDuckOn3)

From Ted Leroux (AKA: Big Ten Ted)

A lot can happen in a week.

One week following Oregon’s triumphant victory in the Big Ten Championship Game, two-time all-Big Ten safety Dillon Thieneman announced his decision to transfer to Oregon for the 2025 season.

Six days following the lights going dark at the Rose Bowl, Bryce Boettcher proclaimed there was “unfinished business” on social media.  

Nine weeks following Boettcher’s “last ride” announcement, Oregon’s first spring practice ushered in a new era – with lots of new faces in Eugene.

All five members of the starting secondary, three starters on the defensive line, and Boettcher’s linebacking partner, Jefferey Bassa, all moved on to the next stage in their football lives.

Rising above all the change and inexperience are two defenders with a combined three all-Big Ten honors and 341 tackles over the past two seasons – Bryce Boettcher and Dillon Thieneman.  

It’s not everyday a transfer talent like Thieneman is available in the portal. It’s also not everyday you have someone that is a standard setter from Day 1 as a transfer. “This guy is an absolute pro with preparation, he’s an individual that’s in here early, leaving late”, defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi said about Dillion’s dedication. “Professionalism is a perfect way to describe him”, Bryce Boettcher added.

Thieneman’s addition is a perfect piece for Oregon’s 2025 secondary puzzle for 2 reasons, first of which is his talent. Dillon tallied 100+ tackles in each of his 2 seasons with the Boilermakers, easily leading the team. His ability to find the football, use his tremendous speed to get to the ball carrier and be a sure tackler in the open field was on display in the Big Ten. The Westfield, Indiana native was asked to do everything on Purdue’s 131st ranked defense, and that’s exactly what he produced. Secondly, his ability to be a lead by example captain of this secondary for the young and extremely talented players will not only see the Ducks DBs improve this season, but will set the standard of what it means to be a great player beyond their time with Dillon in 2025.  

Bryce Boettcher is the heart and soul of the ‘25 Ducks. We all know the story, went to South Eugene High School, double walk-on, baseball draft pick, runnin’ it back 1 more year because of his love for the Green and Yellow. “I love my Ducks, I love my hometown, if I had another year of eligibility and didn’t use it, I’d regret it down the road”, Boettcher said, affirming his all-in mindset for this season. Having someone around the building where you can see their love and passion for Duck football has an earthquake effect that is felt throughout the entire roster. Bryce was one of the biggest breakthrough players for the Ducks undefeated run to a Big Ten Championship last season, nearly tripling his tackle total from the year before. Bryce provides experience where there is a lot of inexperience at the inside linebacker position, much like Dillon Thieneman’s impact on the safety room.  

You can hear my full thoughts on Theineman and Boettcher’s impact on Oregon’s 2025 defense in the video below from a recent edition of my podcast, That Show Out West.  

YOUTUBE CLIP – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXbjvqe2JKA

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