Oregon Ducks Stun Auburn in Race for Top Arizona QB Recruit

Auburn's race to secure top QB recruit Will Mencl faces a critical test as Oregon emerges as a formidable competitor.

Auburn Tigers head coach Alex Golesh is setting his sights on a promising talent out of Chandler, Arizona: 4-star quarterback Will Mencl. But Golesh isn't the only one eyeing this standout from the Grand Canyon State's 6A division. Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning is also in the mix, making this a competitive recruiting battle.

Currently, Oregon seems to have the edge in Mencl's recruitment, possibly due to financial incentives. However, Golesh and Auburn offensive coordinator Joel Gordon are prepared to tackle this challenge head-on, aiming to sway Mencl's decision.

The buzz around Auburn is that Golesh and Gordon are ushering in a new era of offensive prowess, something the program has struggled with since 2023 under previous leadership. The potential addition of Mencl could be a game-changer, providing a strong foundation for Golesh's tenure.

Golesh is already building a robust quarterback lineup for the future. Once Byrum Brown departs, the competition for QB1 in 2027 will heat up. Oregon State transfer Tristan Ti’a and USF transfer Locklan Hewlett are set to vie for the spot, with Rhys Brush from Armwood High School also making a strong impression this spring.

Yet, as we've seen in recent years, the transfer portal can quickly alter a team's dynamics. Predicting the 2027 quarterback landscape remains uncertain, highlighting the ever-changing nature of college football rosters.