Hey, we know that guy. The NFL preseason got underway on Thursday night, and the Oregon Ducks watched a few of their talented rookies hit the field for the first time as pros. The preseason is the proving ground for many players, especially day three draft picks hoping to climb the depth chart. Bryce Boettcher falls into that category. The Indianapolis Colts selected the Eugene local in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, 135th overall. Despite being picked on the final day of the draft, the former Duck has reportedly pushed for a starting role in training camp. On Thursday, Boettcher stepped onto an NFL field with the Colts for the first time in Foxborough, Massachusetts, for the team's preseason opener against the New England Patriots. Boettcher, wearing No. 50, took the field for the first snaps of the game defensively, and quickly made a couple of tackles. Colts fans burst with excitement when Boettcher made a massive hit to dump a Patriots running back for a loss on a pitch play. Boettcher read the play, found a seam, and darted through the line before delivering a thunderous blow to put the offense behind the chains.
Oregon LB Bryce Boettcher (50) flying in for a big hit in his NFL preseason debut pic.twitter.com/eiEYRW46Gj — Logan Brown (@LoganABrown) August 14, 2026 "That Bryce Boettcher tackle has me fired up," a Colts fan account posted on X. "I’m big on him. Can never go wrong drafting a Duck." Boettcher was known for his physicality and high motor when playing for his hometown team, leading the Ducks in tackles the past two seasons. His senior season was a special one, as he ranked sixth nationally with 136 total tackles, the most by a Duck since Chris Cosgrove in 1979 and the eighth-most in a single season in program history. Boettcher added 5.5 tackles for loss, five pass deflections, two forced fumbles, one interception and even a rushing touchdown on senior day. So far, it appears his style of play is translating well to the next level and could lead to a significant role in the Colts' defense to begin his rookie season. Contact/Follow @Ducks_Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinions. This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Ex-Oregon LB Bryce Boettcher delivers crunching hit in NFL preseason debut