Oregon is preparing for the quarterfinal matchup in the College Football Playoff in a matchup against Ohio State on New Year’s Day in a rematch of 1 of the best games of the 2024 season.

One of the biggest reasons the team is undefeated and No. 1 entering this game has been the play of the defense, with linebacker Bryce Boettcher being a leader on the team.

He has 87 tackles on the season, which is by far the most on the team. Right now, he is currently in his final season of eligibility, but defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi said the school is looking at helping him be eligible to play in 2025.

“I believe he has the ability to come back again. I don’t know all the details yet, but I know there is a potential for that,” Lupoi told DuckTerritory.com. “You see these guys that have played nine years, and he’s only played three years of college football and started his career as a walk-on baseball player.”

Oregon would need to acquire a waiver from the NCAA, but he has a chance because he enrolled at Oregon in the fall of 2020. He wasn’t a part of the football program, and could receive a year back like all the other players did that year.

Boettcher was named the 2024 Burlsworth winner, which is annually given to the most outstanding player who started his career as a walk-on.

The Ducks will be in action against Ohio State on New Year’s Day in the Rose Bowl. Kickoff will be at 5 p.m. ET on ESPN.