New 2026 Oregon QB target set to visit next month

Oregon has built quite the reputation for developing quarterbacks under its current coaching staff. With Bo Nix becoming a first-round NFL Draft pick and Dillon Gabriel getting selected in the third round, the Ducks have proven they can turn college talent into pros. While Oregon missed out on their top 2026 quarterback target, Jared Curtis, there’s still hope with 5-star Ryder Lyons, who’s technically a 2027 recruit. Now, a new 2026 quarterback target has surfaced — and he’ll be visiting Eugene next month.

Oregon extended an offer to 4-star quarterback Matt Ponatoski on May 7th after a strong workout with offensive coordinator Will Stein. Since then, Ponatoski has confirmed that he’ll be in Eugene next month for an official visit on either June 6-8 or June 20-22. The 6-foot-2, 190-pound quarterback from Archbishop Moeller High School in Cincinnati, Ohio, is quickly making a name for himself and could be a player who climbs the rankings in the coming months.

Ponatoski isn’t just a standout on the football field — he’s one of the best baseball players in the country. He’s currently Ohio’s top baseball prospect and ranks No. 16 nationally in the class of 2026. A left-handed hitting shortstop, Ponatoski boasts a .414 batting average, 5 home runs, 56 RBIs, and 21 stolen bases. He’s also a pitcher with a fastball that touches 97 mph. His combination of athleticism, arm strength, and baseball instincts is what makes him one of the more coveted recruits.

His two-sport ability might work in Oregon’s favor. The Ducks’ baseball program already offered Ponatoski, but it wasn’t until the football staff jumped in that he started taking the school seriously as a dual-sport destination. With Oregon’s baseball team surging nationally this year, the Ducks are positioning themselves as a top option for a player who wants to excel in both sports. Alabama is another school heavily involved, with a visit also in the works to Tuscaloosa.

When it comes to rankings, On3 is much higher on Ponatoski than the other recruiting services, listing him at No. 101 nationally and as the No. 9 quarterback in the 2026 class. Rivals currently has him as a 4-star outside their Top 250, while both 247Sports and ESPN still list him as a 3-star prospect. As more scouts and coaches get eyes on his performances, expect those numbers to rise. For now, Oregon looks like it will have a legitimate shot at landing one of the fastest-rising quarterbacks in the 2026 class.