Oregon DT A'Mauri Washington Showed Out at Iowa, Eyes NFL
Iowa Hawkeye fans know elite defensive line play when they see it. When Oregon visited Kinnick Stadium last season, they got an up-close look at one of the most physically gifted defensive tackles in college football. A'Mauri Washington is a problem for opposing offenses, and he is coming back for more in 2026.
Washington elected to return to Oregon instead of entering the 2026 NFL Draft, where his rare athleticism likely would have made him a first-round pick. It is a move that speaks to his desire to refine his craft rather than just cashing an early paycheck. That kind of dedication to personal development and team success is something Iowa fans can appreciate.
A Rare Athletic Specimen
The planet theory is alive and well when it comes to Washington. At 6'3" and 338 pounds, there are simply not many human beings on Earth who can move like he does. GPS tracking recorded him running at 20.89 mph. He also boasts a 36-inch vertical leap. For context, Gracen Halton had the highest vertical at the 2026 NFL Combine for defensive tackles, but he weighed only 293 pounds. Washington brings that elite explosiveness at a massive size.
Making Plays in the Trenches
The tape from the Iowa game, along with matchups against Penn State and Indiana in the playoffs, shows a defender who demands attention. Washington explodes out of his stance, routinely getting immediate penetration. His raw strength allows him to shed blockers with ease. Because his initial get-off is so explosive, the first contact often leaves offensive linemen off balance.
He also possesses rare lateral quickness for a man his size. Oregon uses this to disguise their attack. Washington will shade the center, looking like he is targeting the A gap. Then, he moves laterally in a flash and attacks the B gap. This versatility allows Oregon to line him up anywhere from zero to seven techniques. Creative NFL coordinators will love that flexibility.
Washington also displays a high motor and a strong football IQ. He sniffs out screens and misdirection by keeping his eyes in the backfield. He plays a lot of snaps and makes plays because his effort never wavers.
The Big Ten Challenge
With Oregon now firmly established in the Big Ten, Iowa fans will see a lot more of the Ducks in the years to come. The physical, grind-it-out nature of Big Ten football is a perfect testing ground for a player like Washington. It is exactly where he needs to prove he can anchor against massive offensive lines and complex zone blocking schemes.
Last season's game in Iowa City was a preview of the kind of trench battles Washington will face regularly. Hawkeye fans know that Big Ten football is won up front, and Washington has the raw materials to dominate there. He just needs the reps against quality competition to sharpen his game.
Room for Growth
While his physical tools are undeniable, Washington is still putting the pieces together as a pass rusher. His lack of sack production is a concern. He relies heavily on his raw speed and power, and he needs to develop a more nuanced arsenal of pass rush moves. When his initial move fails, he struggles to counter effectively.
He also plays too high at times, giving up his chest to blockers. Once an offensive lineman gets into his chest, Washington struggles to disengage and gets neutralized. Additionally, he needs to learn how to better handle double teams. When a down blocker engages him after his initial contact, he can get moved off the ball. He also needs to learn when to drop his anchor against zone blocking schemes.
Key Matchups in 2026
Returning to school was the right football decision for Washington. He has the potential to have a monster season and solidify himself as an elite prospect. The 2026 schedule offers plenty of opportunities to prove himself.
Week four brings a road test at Southern California. Later in the year, Washington faces massive back-to-back challenges. The Ducks travel to Ohio State in week 10 before hosting Michigan. These are the kinds of gritty, physical Big Ten matchups where NFL evaluators want to see him dominate.
A'Mauri Washington is an elite athlete who is still developing into an elite defensive tackle. If he can add technique to his raw power, the 2027 NFL Draft will be his for the taking.