The 2028 recruiting picture is still young, but Oregon already has its eyes on a battle that could matter in a big way. The Ducks are trying to make noise with elite defensive back Ca'ron Williams, and USC has been the early heavyweight in that fight.
Williams, who plays at Santa Margarita High School for Carson Palmer, had long been viewed as close to the Trojans. That hasn’t changed entirely, but Oregon has clearly started to gain ground. Rivals’ Greg Biggins said the Ducks are the school applying the most pressure right now.
"Ca'ron Williams, Santa Margarita High School, plays for Carson Palmer. USC was always thought to be you don't want to use the word locked, but pretty close to that.
But recently he said you know, Oregon's actually the school pushing the hardest for me. I still like USC, but I think Oregon is starting to make a push there."
That kind of traction matters, especially with a California prospect who has spent his high school years in USC territory and plays for a former Trojans star. Oregon still has plenty of work to do, but simply being in the mix this early is a real development.
Biggins also made it clear why Williams is drawing so much attention. The scouting report points to a defensive back with the versatility to thrive in Oregon’s nickel package, while also carrying the kind of tools that could eventually translate to safety or boundary corner.
"This kid's really good, man. He's that corner potential nickel, lockdown kid who's been one of the top corners out here in Southern California since he was just a freshman."
Rivals’ Industry Recruiting Rankings have Williams at No. 170 nationally, No. 17 among cornerbacks, and No. 10 in California.
For Oregon, the next step is straightforward: get him on campus. Dan Lanning and his staff need a visit to really change the temperature of this recruitment. Williams has already made multiple trips to USC, and the Ducks won’t be taken as a true threat until he shows up on their sidelines for a game this fall.
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