Oregon Ducks to Big Ten football skeptics: “Watch”

In just a few weeks, the Oregon Ducks will begin their first season in the Big Ten Conference and will face elite opponents such as the Ohio State Buckeyes, Michigan Wolverines and Penn State Lions.

Oregon is emphasizing strength training as it prepares for the 2024 college football season. Sophomore outside linebacker Teitum Tuioti has gained 15-19 pounds since last season, largely due to increases in strength training and dietary changes. The 6’3″ edge rusher weighs 250 pounds.

The son of Ducks defensive line coach Tony Tuioti, he established himself as a true freshman in the defensive line rotation last season. Tuioti, a product of Sheldon High School (Eugene, Ore.), made a quick impression in his first year at Oregon, finishing with 30 tackles, four tackles for loss, two sacks and a pass breakup. This year, we can expect even bigger things from a (literally) bigger athlete.

In the NFL, that’s called the jump to year two… And 2024 could be special for Tuioti, who had a stellar spring game. Below, Tuioti and the Oregon Ducks Q&A with SI reporter Bri Amaranthus. Tuioti reveals what it’s like playing for his father, how the Ducks are preparing for the Big Ten and the biggest differences between last season and 2024.

Q: What would you say to doubters who say Oregon isn’t ready for the physicality of the Big Ten?

Teitum Tuioti: I would just say: watch out. Now we will do what we have to do, especially on the edge. We will take care of business.

Q: What do you think is the biggest difference this season compared to last season?

Teitum Tuioti: I would say definitely the weight. I’ve gained 7-9 kilos since last season. That will really change my game. I’ll be able to set edges and be stockier on the run.

Q: How did you gain weight? More time in the gym? Diet?

Teitum Tuioti: Definitely more time in the weight room. We’ve definitely changed our training methods since last year. Definitely in the weight room and then just what I ate, just stuffing food into myself… all day and just keep eating.

Q: What do you think is the biggest difference in defense this season compared to last season?

Teitum Tuioti: I would just say the depth we have on defense is insane. Especially if I think just as an outside linebacker. There is no drop off in our room. You’re going to see quite a few players rotate. I think we have a lot of depth on defense and that’s really good.

Q: Tez Johnson said Oregon trains warriors in the weight room. How would you describe that?

Teitum Tuioti: I agree with him. The amount of stuff we’re doing in the weight room is crazy. And I think that shows that a lot of us have gotten bigger and stronger and I think that’s the main thing the coaches have tried to do because obviously when we get to the Big Ten we have to make some changes and that was one of the big changes and I think it was a success.

Q: Which game on the schedule are you most looking forward to?

Teitum Tuioti: Honestly, I’m looking forward to Ohio State. Ohio State is an exciting game, but honestly, I’m ready for all games. I’m ready for Idaho State too, because it’s the first game.

Ohio State – It’s going to be a big game. Everyone knows that. They’re a top team and we have to play against the best. So I’m looking forward to that. Just playing against the best.

Q: What’s it like playing here when your father is also the defensive line coach (Tony Tuioti)?

Teitum Tuioti: Oh, it’s really a blessing. I really love and appreciate him. He does a lot for me, especially when I was growing up. So I just appreciate him and that’s really the best thing. That’s his big thing. Of course, he’s hard on me and, you know, sometimes he gets on my nerves, but that’s OK.

Q: What does family dinner look like? Can you concentrate on other things or is football also on the agenda?

Teitum Tuioti: We can focus on things outside of football. We talk about anything, but if we notice something, we talk about football all day. That’s the only thing I can say. For example, if we are at dinner and he or I are talking about football, then we start talking. And then we have an iPad. We put it on the TV. We scroll. We watch the film. Yes, and suddenly dinner is ready. Yes, dinner is ready.