The Oregon Ducks just landed a commitment that hits close to home-literally and figuratively. Sam Ngata, a three-star linebacker out of Olympus High School in Salt Lake City, Utah, became Oregon’s second pledge of the 2027 recruiting cycle.
And yes, that last name should sound familiar. Sam is the son of former Ducks legend and NFL standout Haloti Ngata, and now he’s officially following in his father’s footsteps.
The commitment came during a Junior Day visit to Eugene, but it wasn’t something Sam had planned heading into the weekend. The Ducks offered him two months ago-the same day his father was honored at Autzen Stadium for his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame. That moment planted the seed, but it was the energy on campus and the conversations with coaches that pushed it over the top.
“This past weekend was amazing,” Sam said. “I’ve grown up around the facility my whole life, so I already knew everything about that. Talking to Coach Kam (Araghi), the edge coach, it made me want to go there even more.”
What started as a casual visit quickly turned into something more meaningful. After a full day on campus, Sam sat down with his dad in the hotel room and had a moment that would change his future.
“I had no intention of committing before the visit,” he said. “But I was sitting in the hotel room with my dad and we were talking about the day.
I was like, ‘Dad, I think I want to commit.’ It was just a special moment.”
Special is an understatement. Haloti Ngata, who played at Oregon from 2002 to 2005 and went on to become a consensus All-American, a first-round NFL Draft pick, a Super Bowl champion, and a five-time Pro Bowler, didn’t push his son toward his alma mater-but there’s no doubt he was moved by the decision.
“He obviously wanted me to go to Oregon, but he didn’t push me to do anything,” Sam said. “He told me to keep my options open.
He got very emotional when I committed-he started crying. He’s been a great mentor through this all.
I’m very grateful for his presence in my life.”
Sam made it official during a meeting with head coach Dan Lanning on Saturday. The moment was charged with emotion and excitement.
“(Lanning) asked me what my timeline was on committing and I told him, ‘Actually, I want to commit right now after a lot of prayer and talking to my family,’” Sam said. “Immediately the energy in the room exploded.
We stood up, had a long hug, and had a long conversation. It was super fun.”
Ngata chose Oregon over a solid list of offers that included BYU, Cal, Michigan, Nebraska, Purdue, Utah, Boise State, Oregon State, Colorado State, and San Diego State. Michigan and Nebraska had just entered the mix last week, but even with those blue-blood programs knocking, the pull of Oregon was too strong.
“I was born a Duck,” Ngata said. “My parents always had me in Duck gear.
I was repping it with pride. I’ve grown up in the facility, I’ve seen everything … I’ve been a Duck my whole life and I couldn’t see myself on any other team.”
On the field, Sam is a rising talent. He’s currently rated as a three-star prospect with an 84 rating, but his stock has been trending upward following recent evaluations. He now joins Cameron Pritchett, a four-star edge rusher out of Alabama, as the Ducks’ two early commits in the 2027 class.
There’s a long way to go before these names hit the field at Autzen, but for now, Oregon fans can celebrate a commitment that blends legacy, loyalty, and plenty of upside. Sam Ngata is more than just a familiar name-he’s a prospect carving his own path, one that just happens to lead through Eugene.