The Latest on Jackson Cantwell, Jared Curtis, & More

The next few weeks will be crucial in shaping Oregon’s 2026 recruiting class. We already knew that 5-star quarterback Jared Curtis is set to announce his commitment on May 5th, but now another top target—5-star offensive tackle Jackson Cantwell—is expected to announce soon as well. These two recruitments will play a major role in defining the future of this class. Here’s the latest on them, along with a few other key prospects.

5-star SAF Jett Washington

Washington is a legit 6-foot-5, 200-pound athlete. Anyone with that size and athleticism is bound to draw attention from some of the top programs in the country. There’s been some buzz that Oregon is the team to beat, and while that may be true, I’ve been told Alabama is right there alongside the Ducks. He’s set to visit Bama this weekend and also plans to make a trip to Oregon later this spring—I'm working to confirm the exact date.

4-star SAF Joey O'Brien

O'Brien is a 6-foot-4 defensive back who will be in Eugene this weekend. He recently released a top-6 of Notre Dame, Tennessee, Oregon, Penn State, Clemson, and Michigan. As of now, Oregon is on the second half of that top-6, but he hasn't been on campus yet, so this trip could change the pulse. As of now, Penn State and Notre Dame should be considered the front-runners.

5-star CB Brandon Arrington

Arrington will be back on campus later this spring, but right now, Oregon is likely sitting third or fourth in his recruitment. USC has really grabbed his attention, and both Alabama and Texas A&M are firmly in the mix as well. He’s only visited Oregon once so far, while he’s made at least two trips to each of the other schools mentioned. That makes getting him back to Eugene this spring a big priority—and the Ducks will also have the advantage of hosting him for his final official visit. There’s still a good chance Oregon can make a move here.

5-star QB Jared Curtis

There hasn’t been much movement in this recruitment lately. Oregon likely still holds a slight edge, but it’s shaping up to be a decision that comes down to the final week—or even the final days—before commitment day. In the meantime, NIL negotiations and family discussions will continue to be major factors. From how this recruitment is developing, it seems like he's genuinely torn between the two schools. If I had to put a number on it, I’d give Oregon a 60% chance to land him.

5-star OT Jackson Cantwell

Cantwell made a big surprise yesterday by tweeting that his decision could come sooner than expected. He even told On3's Steve Wiltfong, "I have all the information I need." While I don't have a specific timeline for a commitment, it seems like it could happen very soon. He’s only visited Oregon once, but that visit was enough for the Ducks to leap to the top of his list. He also made it to a Missouri State camp, where he got to spend some time with coaches. Oregon and Georgia have been considered the front-runners, but a new team is emerging: Mario Cristobal’s Miami Hurricanes. Miami has made a strong push and now has a real shot at landing him. That said, Oregon is going all-in on landing Cantwell or Iheanacho. And you have to like their chances at landing 1/2. Cantwell is also a standout in track and field, and Oregon’s program in that area is vastly superior to the others. Plus, Lanning’s ties to Missouri will certainly play a role. While there are still ongoing negotiations and discussions, Oregon's chances are looking solid.