Oregon just landed a big-time addition to its 2026 recruiting class - and not just because of the last name on the jersey.
Sam Ngata, a 6-foot-4, 215-pound linebacker out of Olympus High School in Salt Lake City, is headed to Eugene. He’s a four-star prospect with a game that speaks for itself, and while his father, Haloti Ngata, carved out a legendary career as a Duck and later in the NFL, this commitment is about the son forging his own path - one marked by physicality, instincts, and a relentless motor.
The Ducks first offered Ngata during his visit for the USC game, and it didn’t take long for Oregon to become the clear frontrunner. He picked the Ducks over notable programs like Cal, Michigan, and BYU - a decision that speaks to both Oregon’s recruiting pull and the direction of their defense under Dan Lanning.
Ngata’s tape pops for all the right reasons. He’s not just a sideline-to-sideline guy - though he can certainly cover ground - he’s also a downhill thumper who embraces contact.
He attacks gaps with confidence, scrapes over the top with fluidity, and finishes plays with authority. You don’t often see high school linebackers who are this comfortable meeting ball carriers in space or plugging holes at the line of scrimmage, but Ngata does both with a veteran’s feel.
There are shades of former Ducks like Noah Sewell and Jeffrey Bassa in Ngata’s game - both Utah natives who brought a similar brand of toughness and versatility to the Oregon defense. Like them, Ngata has the frame to add good weight without sacrificing speed, and he’s already flashing the kind of instincts that can’t be taught.
Off the field, he’s just as impressive. A 3.7 GPA shows he’s locked in academically, and that discipline carries over to the way he plays.
Whether he’s blitzing off the edge, dropping into coverage, or even lining up on offense (where he’s shown strong hands and a punishing running style), Ngata brings a high-level effort every snap. He doesn’t just chase the football - he hunts it.
And while the connection to his father adds a layer of nostalgia for Oregon fans, Sam Ngata’s game stands firmly on its own. He’s not coming to Eugene to live in anyone’s shadow. He’s coming to make plays, lead a defense, and write his own chapter in Ducks history.
As Ngata told On3’s Max Torres, “If you’re a recruit, what more could you want in a program?” That’s a telling quote - not just about Oregon’s appeal, but about the mindset of a player who’s ready to compete at the next level.
For Oregon, this is more than a legacy signing. It’s a foundational piece for the future of their defense.