REPORT: Oregon leads for elite 2026 QB

2026 Quarterback dominos are falling quickly and Oregon has their eye on a few quarterbacks. One of which they hold a slight lead for. This is a name that will excite duck fans.

According to 247Sports' Tom Loy, the recruitment race for elite 4-star 2026 quarterback Landon Duckworth is heating up, with Oregon and UCF emerging as the top contenders. Yep that's right, his name is Duckworth. Seems like he was born to be a duck. Standing tall at 6'3 and weighing in at 190 pounds, Duckworth hails from Jackson, Alabama, and has recently made headlines by decommitting from South Carolina.

Loy believes that Oregon currently has the edge in Duckworth's recruitment. The Ducks strong NIL program could play a pivotal role in attracting Duckworth. With the name "Duckworth," the marketing and branding opportunities at Oregon, whose mascot is the Ducks, are nothing short of poetic. Duckworth would become an instant fan favorite, with his name alone offering a unique and compelling NIL proposition.

The timing of Duckworth's recruitment is also noteworthy because of Oregon's pursuit of 5-star quarterback Ryder Lyons. Lyons is likely higher on Oregon's recruiting board. The Ducks efforts to secure Lyons might impact their approach with Duckworth. If Lyons commits elsewhere or decides to delay his decision, Duckworth could see even more increased interest from the Ducks as they want to solidify their future at the quarterback position.

Meanwhile, UCF, under the leadership of Gus Malzahn, is making a strong push for Duckworth as well. Malzahn's reputation for developing quarterbacks and UCF's rising profile in college football make them a difficult competitor in this recruitment battle.

As Duckworth's recruitment unfolds, it will be interesting to see how Oregon handles this recruitment. Duckworth's unique NIL potential at Oregon, combined with his impressive skill set, makes him a highly coveted player. Whether he ultimately chooses the Ducks or opts for another program, Duckworth's decision will be a significant storyline to monitor in the 2026 recruiting class.

Where Does Duckworth Rank?

247Sports: 4-Star, #95 Overall

Rivals: 4-Star, #79 Overall

ESPN: 4-Star, #98 Overall

On3: 3-Star, 89 Rating