Predicting Oregon's 2026 Recruiting Class: Who Will The Ducks Sign? 5/14

I put together a version of this about a month and a half ago, but I think it’s something I’ll keep updating every month or so. Oregon wrapped up the 2025 cycle with a top-five recruiting class and the highest average rating per commit in the country. While the class was slightly smaller — with just 19 signees — the Ducks still led the nation in average player rating. Looking ahead to 2026, Oregon’s class is expected to be a bit larger, and it has the potential to be even stronger than 2025. These are my predictions for how the Ducks’ 2026 class will finish AS OF 5/14.

Quarterbacks

5-star Ryder Lyons

Reasoning: As we all know, Oregon missed out on Jared Curtis. That makes Ryder Lyons an even bigger priority, and I think the Ducks hold the edge in his recruitment, with BYU and USC still in the mix. Lyons is planning to take a one-year mission before enrolling, so I could see Oregon pairing him with a true 2026 quarterback like Keisean Henderson, Brady Smigiel, or Matt Ponatoski. However, I’m not ready to include any of them in this prediction just yet.

Running Backs

4-stars Tradarian Ball and TJ Hodges

Reasoning: Tradarian Ball has already shut down his recruitment, so that alone is enough reason to include him. As for Hodges, I’m taking a bit of a leap of faith. He’s scheduled to take an official visit to Oregon from June 20–22, giving the Ducks the final OV before he likely makes a decision. Hodges hasn’t taken many visits overall, but I think he’s the most likely candidate to pair with Ball in this class.

Wide Receivers

4-stars Messiah Hampton and Jalen Lott

Reasoning: Oregon missed out on Kayden Dixon-Wyatt, so he’s off the table. Oregon is still in great shape for Hampton, and while I think they still hold the edge for Lott, it’s not as clear as it once was. Will they sign a third receiver? I don’t think they need to — especially with former 5-star Gatlin Bair set to join the team for the 2026 season. But if they do add another 2026 recruit, my best guess is 5-star Calvin Russell. Oregon is still playing from behind in that recruitment, but they’re expected to get an official visit — and momentum can always shift after a trip to Eugene.

Tight Ends

5-star Kendre Harrison

Reasoning: Harrison is fully locked in, and I don’t see a scenario where he flips. Oregon is still pushing for 5-star Mark Bowman, but he feels like a long shot at this point — and landing two top tight ends is never easy. Outside of Bowman, Oregon doesn’t appear to be recruiting another tight end, at least based on what I’ve heard.

Offensive Line

Tackles: 5-star Immanuel Iheanacho and 4-star Kelvin Obot

Interior: 4-star Tommy Tofi and 3-star Jax Tanner

Reasoning: Oregon’s offensive tackle recruiting took a hit when Greene flipped and they missed on Cantwell, but the Ducks could still end up with an elite haul. Iheanacho is all Oregon right now, and they remain in a great spot for Tofi. Tanner is set to take a two-year mission before college, so he’s essentially a 2028 recruit, but he’s still a very good prospect the staff loves — and Oregon is, at worst, running second in his recruitment. As for Obot, Oregon is at least in his top three, but his official visits will be very telling in where he ultimately lands. I have faith the Ducks can pull it off.

Defensive Line

4-stars Tony Cumberland, Viliami Moala and Deuce Geralds, and 3-star Nemyah Telona

Reasoning: In a class that once featured Tomuhini Topui and Bott Mulitalo, Oregon has work to do to add another top guy at the position. Cumberland and Moala are both good players, but there's room for another, and I think Deuce Gerlands can be that guy. Oregon still has work to do in that recruitment, but he is expected to return for an OV in June. Nemyah Telona is another name Oregon could definitely land, but I don't know if he's a take as of now. If Oregon wants him, they'll be tough to beat. I also heard that there's a 2027 DL recruit that is considering reclassifying to 2026, but nothing is confirmed yet.

Edge Rusher

5-star Richard Wesley and 4-star Dutch Horisk

Reasoning: Wesley is Oregon's newest commit, so there's that, and Horisk has been committed for so long now and has been back on campus multiple times. I do think Oregon will add a third edge to this class — I just don't know who. Things were looking very good for Derek Colman-Brusa before he chose Washington, Talanoa Ili is all USC right now, and Oregon doesn't seem to be pushing too hard for Calvin Thomas. 5-star Anthony Jones is becoming a very realistic option, but it's too soon to add him to this prediction. Time will tell, but I do think Oregon will go after a third edge rusher.

Linebackers

4-stars Tristan Phillips and Nick Abrams

Reasoning: Phillips is already committed and has shown no signs of flipping. As for Abrams, Oregon has been surging ever since his recent visit. Alabama is the biggest competition, but I like the way it’s trending for Oregon and Abrams. Kenneth Goodwin, Tyler Atkinson, and Beau Jandreau are other names to monitor, but things are looking best for Abrams.

Cornerbacks

5-star Brandon Arrington and 4-stars Davon Benjamin and Camren Hamiel

Reasoning: This is still the hardest position to predict. It's a three-team race for Arrington, with USC and Texas A&M battling it out, but I think Oregon is still in the best position with that final OV. Benjamin is a versatile DB, so he's not strictly a corner, but in this prediction, he is — and Oregon is still in a good spot for him. Oregon has a very good shot to land Hamiel, with Texas A&M probably being the top competition for him. And then there’s also Khary Adams, who I just barely left off this list. If Oregon can land 3 out of these 4 corners, that would be a dream scenario.

Safeties

5-stars Jett Washington and Jireh Edwards, and 4-star Xavier Lherisse

Reasoning: Lherisse is already committed and hasn’t shown any signs of flipping. Oregon is trending as the team to beat for Washington going into his OV’s, and I feel great about Oregon ultimately landing him. As for Edwards, Oregon is no worse than second right now. I’m not sure who the top competition is, but Georgia, Auburn, and Texas A&M are the others he’s keen on. Then there’s 5-star Joey O'Brien and 4-star Devin Jackson. O'Brien named the Ducks his leader following his recent visit, but I still think Notre Dame or Penn State gets that one done. As for Jackson, I think he stays closer to home with him being from Florida. If Oregon signs this safety haul, that would be absolutely elite.

Class Size: 24