Jerry Mixon Talks Oregon State Rivalry: "They're our little bros"
Junior linebacker Jerry Mixon has been one of the talks of the Oregon defense through the first three weeks of the 2025 season. He’s already grabbed two interceptions and figures to be a key piece for Tosh Lupoi and Brian Michalowksi moving forward.
He met with reporters in Eugene following Tuesday’s practice to preview this week’s rivalry matchup against Oregon State.
Below are some of his key quotes, as well as video of his full media availability.
On what it feels like to have the ball in his hands after an interception
Mixon:”Just going back to my high school days, playing running back. I’m trying to make everybody miss and then score every time, every time I get the ball.”
On the Oregon/Oregon State rivalry the past few years, his expectations for Saturday
Mixon: “It’s a big rivalry game. Everybody pop out in Oregon. Just from being here, that they’re our little bros, and we go out there and kick their ass.”
On how his performances this season impact his confidence
Mixon: “It’s basically telling myself I belong here. Basically when I first got here, not thinking I belonged. Just keep gradually growing and gaining more confidence as I make plays on the field. And that plays a big part of my confidence.”
On what defense learned from Northwestern’s success running the ball, how they can improve
Mixon: “Just by holding the standard. Whoever’s in the game, just using a different, attack, strike, finish. Using our hands in the run game, like me specifically. Using my hands more instead of trying to go around the block and make the play, use my hands.”
On how much he likes to roam over the middle of the defense
Mixon: “It’s big when we’re in man coverage and I’m just a free roamer in the middle. Just keeping my eyes on the quarterback and just going back to my running back days, using my ball skills and trying to make the play.”
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On his process week to week
Mixon: “Just preparation first. Knowing our scheme, knowing to do, and then watching their film and seeing what they like to do. What the quarterback likes to throw to. The hot boy, his favorite target. So just seeing that and making plays off that.”
On what he learned from Brian Michalowksi to be ready for this moment
Mixon: “This game is like 90% mental. He’s like a geek, so he knows a lot of stuff that the offense wants to do, just basically football knowledge. I knew I had the physical traits, just going out there, mental and executing the call and seeing what the offense wants to do.”
On how he defines the standard of Oregon defense
Mixon: “Just being physical, downhill players. Communicating and all executing one call. Lanning came from Georgia, so he knows what defense looks like. So just upholding that standard that he preaches to us every day.”
On how he sets up offenses to make plays
Mixon: “Offense, they think linebackers not supposed to make plays in the first place, especially in coverage. So just using that to bait them. Act like I don’t see where they trying to go, then jump the route last second. Basically using my instincts from offense, like what the quarterback read is and stuff like that.”
On what he’s seen from Oregon State offense on film
Mixon: “The quarterback, I’m not going to tell you my secrets yet, but the quarterback, he’s got a very strong arm. He likes to find his favorite target, intermediate routes. He’s a big guy. Looks like Cam Newton out there. So, just trying to bait him and get my eyes on the read.”
