The Oregon Ducks are making waves this summer on the recruiting trail, and head coach Dan Lanning is on a mission to maintain the program's streak of securing a top 5 recruiting class. With a series of official visits under their belt, the Ducks have managed to flip the script on this year's recruiting narrative, boasting an impressive 21 commitments. The latest addition to the flock is 4-star tight end Anthony Cartwright III, a promising talent who committed on Sunday.
With Cartwright III in the fold, Oregon's focus shifts to locking down additional commitments. As we head into July, the Ducks have their sights set on a trio of elite prospects, with the potential for a significant boost to their recruiting class.
Let's break down the next three recruits who could be donning the green and yellow:
Tae Walden Jr - Cornerback
Initially, it seemed other programs had the edge over Oregon in the race for cornerback Tae Walden Jr. However, after a pivotal weekend of official visits, the Ducks have emerged as strong contenders.
With Walden Jr's commitment announcement set for July 1st, all eyes are on whether he'll choose Eugene as his next home. This could mark a monumental day for the Ducks if they can secure his talents.
Hayden Stepp - Cornerback
Following the flips of Ai'King Hall to Miami and Donte Wright's decision to join the Hurricanes, Oregon has zeroed in on Hayden Stepp as a top priority. Despite Alabama appearing to lead the charge earlier this summer, Stepp's visit to Eugene seems to have swayed his decision towards the Ducks. His commitment is also slated for July 1st at the Rivals Summer Signing Day event, where many anticipate Oregon will clinch his signature.
Xavier Sabb - Wide Receiver
The buzz around Xavier Sabb has shifted from "if" to "when" he'll commit to Oregon. With his older brothers playing for Alabama, Sabb is eager to carve out his own legacy, and the Ducks are in prime position to welcome the 5-star wide receiver. While Sabb hasn't set a firm commitment date, his eventual decision to join Oregon would not only add star power to the roster but also bring an immediate impact to the field upon his arrival in Eugene.
As the Ducks continue their recruiting push, these potential commitments could solidify Oregon's standing as a powerhouse in the college football recruiting landscape.
In Other News...
Sabrina Ionescu Just Gave Ducks Fans A Fun Oregon Flashback
Sabrina Ionescu is back in an Oregon spotlight, this time through an Amazon Prime Video special that leans into her old college roots. The former Ducks star, now with the New York Liberty, is featured in "The Undercovers," a 33-minute project presented by Eli Manning that has her blending in as an Oregon fan at a basketball game.
For Ducks fans, it is an easy bit of nostalgia to enjoy, especially from a player who built one of the most decorated careers in program history before going on to win the 2024 WNBA Championship. The undercover reveal gives the piece its fun twist, and it also brings back the familiar Oregon connection that Kelly Graves and the current program have never really lost with Ionescu. [Read more 🡒]
Dan Lanning Faces A Huge 2027 Recruiting Moment For Oregon
A major 2027 recruiting checkpoint is coming into focus for Oregon, and it centers on Tae Walden Jr., one of the more versatile prospects in the cycle. The Collierville High School standout has built his profile by contributing on both sides of the ball, lining up at wide receiver and cornerback while backing up the ranking that has him among the nations top athletes.
Walden is nearing a decision with a group that includes Auburn, Georgia, LSU, Oregon and Ole Miss, and the Ducks remain firmly in the mix as they try to keep building momentum with Dan Lannings defensive board. For Oregon, the appeal is obvious: a player with two-way experience and the athletic profile to fit in more than one place, even as the final call still hangs in the air. [Read more 🡒]
Texas Is Making Oregon Sweat On Another Blue-Chip Recruiting Battle
Texas has already shown it can make life difficult for Oregon on the 2027 trail, and the latest battlegrounds are once again elite national recruits. Five-star offensive lineman Ismael Camara and four-star running back Landen Williams-Callis both have drawn serious attention from the Longhorns, with Oregon still in the mix as the Ducks continue to chase blue-chip talent at the top of the class.
Williams-Callis has Texas and Oregon among his top-10 schools, and Texas has been making a strong push as the race narrows around the highly regarded back. Oregon is not exactly thin at the position, either, with a current 2027 commitment in CaDarius McMiller and more help already on the way, which could shape how aggressively the Ducks keep pressing if this one trends elsewhere. [Read more 🡒]