Oregon is emerging as the frontrunner for a major target ahead of their upcoming visit

Oregon has missed on several key recruiting targets in recent months, including losing a few of its own commits. The momentum has dipped slightly, but that could soon change — and perhaps as soon as this weekend. The Ducks are set to host a strong group of visitors, and one name in particular is trending heavily toward Eugene. If things go well, Oregon could soon have a major win on the trail.

That top target is elite 2026 wide receiver Messiah Hampton. The 6-foot-1, 180-pound standout from James Monroe High School in Rochester, New York, will be back in Eugene this weekend — his third trip in just over a month. After visiting Oregon twice last month, Hampton’s continued interest has turned into a clear signal: he’s seriously considering the Ducks.

I'm told that going into this visit Oregon holds a sizeable lead in his recruitment. Taking three visits in such a short time also shows how strongly he's considering the Ducks. Hampton is a key priority for the Ducks after missing out on both 5-star Chris Henry Jr. and 4-star Kayden Dixon-Wyatt, who committed to Ohio State. Hampton’s growing connection with the Ducks staff could soon pay off and put an end to this skid.

Not only does Oregon appear to be the frontrunner, but I'm also told there's a real possibility Hampton’s commitment comes sooner than later. He's supposed to start taking his official visits later this month, but it wouldn't be surprising at all to see this recruitment end before he makes it there. As of now, he’s scheduled to take officials to Penn State (May 16), Miami (May 30), Ohio State (June 6), Oregon (June 13), and USC (June 20). But if momentum keeps building, Oregon may lock in one of its most important 2026 targets before those trips even happen.

Another factor in this recruitment is the relationship between Messiah Hampton and Oregon's new wide receivers coach, Ross Douglas. Douglas had already been recruiting Hampton while he was at Syracuse, and when he made the move to Oregon, Hampton became the very first player he offered. Here’s what Hampton told me about what it means to be Coach Douglas’ first offer at Oregon:

“Being Coach Douglas’ first offer definitely means a lot. It shows I’m definitely a priority to him, he wants to coach me. He sees that I could be an NFL player. For him to leave Syracuse and go to Oregon, and I be the first person he offers, shows a lot about how much belief he has in me to prosper as a player.”