Oregon Lands Four-Star Linebacker Tristan Phillips on National Signing Day
The Oregon Ducks just added a major piece to their defensive future. Four-star linebacker Tristan Phillips made it official on National Signing Day, submitting his National Letter of Intent and joining the Ducks’ 2026 recruiting class. For a program that’s been building serious momentum, locking in a player like Phillips is another strong signal that Oregon’s not just aiming to stay competitive-they’re aiming to dominate.
Here’s what Ducks fans need to know about their newest defensive weapon.
**Who Is Tristan Phillips? **
- Height/Weight: 6’3”, 215 lbs
- Hometown: Ventura, California
- Position: Linebacker
- 247Sports Composite National Ranking: 362
- 247Sports Composite Position Ranking: 24
Phillips is a top-25 linebacker nationally and one of the most versatile defenders on the West Coast. He’s got the frame, athleticism, and instincts that make him a potential impact player at the Power Five level. And the Ducks beat out some serious competition to land him.
Recruitment Journey: Why Oregon Won Out
Phillips first got on Oregon’s radar during a game-day visit in the 2024 season, and it didn’t take long for the Ducks to roll out the red carpet. He was back in Eugene multiple times that fall, including for some of the biggest wins of the year-Ohio State and Washington among them-as the Ducks rolled to a 13-0 regular season.
By December 7th, Phillips had seen enough. He gave his verbal commitment to Oregon, and despite late pushes from blue-blood programs like USC and Texas in January, he never wavered.
Oregon linebackers coach Brian Michalowski played a key role in keeping the relationship strong, and Phillips made his official visit in early June. Since then, he’s been back on campus several times and has remained one of the most locked-in members of the class.
When USC and Texas come calling late in the cycle, it’s often enough to shake things up. But in Phillips’ case, the Ducks had already done the heavy lifting. He was all-in.
What Oregon Is Getting
Let’s talk football.
Phillips brings a modern linebacker profile to Oregon’s defense-he’s fast, rangy, and fluid in space. He’s the kind of athlete who can play sideline to sideline, drop into coverage, and still come downhill with force in the run game. Whether he lines up inside or outside, he’s got the tools to be a problem for opposing offenses.
With Bryce Boettcher aging out after this season and both Jerry Mixon and Devon Jackson currently juniors, Oregon knows it has to restock at linebacker. Phillips fits that need perfectly. He’s not just a depth piece-he’s a future starter.
What’s Next for Phillips in Eugene
Realistically, Phillips is looking at a redshirt season in 2026. But don’t let that fool you-this is a player with the upside to push for playing time early if he acclimates quickly. His athleticism and football IQ are already at a high level, and with a full offseason in the Ducks’ strength and conditioning program, he’ll only get better.
It’s not out of the question to see him become a multi-year starter down the road. Oregon’s linebacker room is going to look very different in a year or two, and Phillips is poised to be a big part of that next wave.
Bottom Line
Tristan Phillips is the kind of recruit that championship-contending programs prioritize-talented, committed, and battle-tested against elite competition. Oregon’s ability to hold off late pushes from USC and Texas speaks volumes about the connection Phillips has with the staff and the vision he sees for himself in Eugene.
The Ducks are building something special, and with Phillips now officially in the fold, the future of their defense just got a whole lot brighter.