As of Wednesday morning, Oregon is making serious noise on the recruiting trail. With the Early Signing Period just kicking off, the Ducks have surged to the No. 2 class in the nation, according to the 247Sports Composite.
Even more impressive? They sit atop the rankings in average rating per recruit, powered by four five-star commitments.
But that wasn’t the end of the fireworks. Oregon added even more punch to its already loaded class with two surprise signings: defensive backs Azel Banag and Trevon Watson. These weren’t just depth additions - they were smart, calculated moves that reflect Oregon’s evolving strategy under its current staff.
Azel Banag: A Flip With Upside
Banag marks Oregon’s first flip of the day, and it’s a unique one. He was previously committed to Harvard, which tells you a lot about the kind of student-athlete Oregon is bringing in.
At 5-11.5 and 170 pounds, Banag is a three-star prospect ranked No. 769 nationally. But don’t let the ranking fool you - there’s a lot to like here.
His football pedigree runs deep. His father played linebacker and defensive back at South Carolina, and that football IQ shows up on tape.
Banag picked off five passes as a senior, showcasing sharp instincts and an ability to read the quarterback - traits that can’t be taught. He’s also a versatile defender, capable of stepping up in run support and covering slot receivers, which is one of the most demanding jobs in today’s spread-heavy offenses.
What makes Banag stand out isn’t just his physical tools - it’s his mental makeup. He’s a cerebral player, the kind Oregon defensive backs coach Demetrice Martin and safeties coach Chris Hampton have shown a clear preference for.
Guys like Jadon Canaday and Brandon Finney, who excel through technique and coachability, have thrived in this system. Banag fits that mold to a tee.
In short, he’s the kind of player who may not make headlines on signing day, but could end up being a key piece in Oregon’s secondary down the line.
Trevon Watson: JUCO Talent Ready to Contribute
Oregon also locked in Trevon Watson, a junior college transfer from College of San Mateo. At 5-11 and 185 pounds, Watson is another three-star prospect, with offers from Boise State and North Texas. He brings experience and maturity to the room, which is always valuable when you’re building a defense that can compete at the national level.
Watson’s addition is another example of Oregon’s layered approach to recruiting. While the Ducks landed headline names like Jett Washington and Davon Benjamin, they’re also making sure to build a complete roster. That means bringing in guys who can fill specific roles, contribute on special teams, and push the competition in practice.
And sometimes, those so-called “role players” turn into stars.
Just look at Brandon Finney. He wasn’t the flashiest name in his class, but he worked his way into a starting role and ended up on the Freshman All-America team. Finney’s rise is a reminder that recruiting rankings are just a starting point - development, mindset, and opportunity often tell the real story.
Building Smart, Building Depth
Oregon’s early haul this year is a blend of elite talent and smart, strategic additions. The staff isn’t just chasing stars; they’re building a roster with depth, versatility, and high football IQ. Banag and Watson may not be the headliners of this class, but they’re the kind of players who help win games in October and November - and maybe even in January.
If Oregon keeps stacking classes like this, it won’t just be about competing in the Pac-12 (or whatever conference landscape we end up with). It’ll be about building a program that’s in the national title conversation every single year.