Teitum Tuioti will not return this season after suffering a knee injury in Oregon’s 41-28 victory over Ohio State, Ducks head coach Dan Lanning confirmed on Monday. The senior defensive end, one of Oregon’s most impactful defenders, will require surgery and is officially out for the remainder of the campaign.
“Teitum has been unbelievable for us this year, and every year he’s been here,” Lanning said. “Just watching him grow as a player and person has been a lot of fun for us. But unfortunately Teitum’s done for the year, he had a knee injury, he’ll end up having surgery.”
Tuioti was a leader on the Ducks’ defense, ranking among the top tacklers with 44 stops and registering 5.5 sacks, second on the team this season. Over his four years at Oregon, the former Sheldon High School standout has amassed 22.5 sacks, placing him eighth on the program’s all-time list. His presence anchored a defensive front with experience and talent that helped Oregon control games.
The injury came during a routine play in the Ohio State game, a contest that featured a memorable moment from Tuioti when he executed a fake punt, completing a pass to fellow defensive end Matayo Uiagalelei. That play shifted momentum in Oregon’s favor, but the aftermath was less fortunate.
“I hate it for him, because (the injury) was a routine, weird play that it happened on,” Lanning added. “He left it on the line there on the field, and I don’t know if he’ll get another chance to play as an Oregon football player, but whoever gets to have that guy on their team in the future is gonna be really, really lucky.”
Tuioti’s injury leaves a gap in Oregon’s defensive line as the Ducks look ahead to the rest of the season. His leadership and production were integral to their recent success, including the win over Ohio State that boosted their standing.
Should Tuioti decide to enter the NFL Draft instead of utilizing a fifth year of eligibility, some mock drafts project him as a second- or third-round pick. His performance this season had solidified his reputation as a strong defensive prospect.
According to Yahoo Sports.