Dan Lanning doesn't really sleep, does he? Honestly, if you follow the University of Oregon football recruiting news, it feels like the guy is playing a different sport than everyone else. While other programs are scrambling to fill holes left by the portal, Lanning is out here stacking five-stars like he’s playing a video game on rookie mode. It’s wild.
We just got through the early signing period for the 2026 class, and the haul is, frankly, absurd. Oregon officially turned in a top-3 class nationally. They didn't just get players; they got the right players. We’re talking about five consensus five-star prospects. That’s a program record. To put that in perspective, Oregon used to be happy if they landed one or two of those guys a decade ago. Now? It’s the standard.
The Trenches and the Big Get
If you want to know why Oregon is scary in the Big Ten, look at Immanuel Iheanacho. He’s 6-foot-7. He weighs 345 pounds. Basically, he’s a mountain that moves. He announced his commitment on the Pat McAfee Show—classic Oregon flair—by unzipping a hoodie to show the green and yellow. Getting a kid from Baltimore to Eugene is a massive win. It shows the brand is truly national now.
But it’s not just the size. It’s the versatility.
Then you’ve got the defensive side. Anthony "Tank" Jones from Alabama. Think about that for a second. Oregon went into the heart of SEC country and plucked a five-star edge rusher. That doesn't happen unless the recruits believe you're winning a national title soon. The staff is selling a vision of "quality over quantity," and the kids are buying it.
Lanning mentioned in a recent press conference that rankings can be overrated, which is exactly what a guy who just signed the #3 class says to stay humble. But we all know the truth. You need these "dudes" to beat Ohio State and Georgia.
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The Dylan Raiola Bombshell
Wait, did you see the portal news? This is where the University of Oregon football recruiting news gets even more chaotic. Just when everyone thought the 2026 quarterback room was settled with Bryson Beaver (the 4-star commit from California), Dylan Raiola decides to transfer from Nebraska to Oregon.
It’s a massive move.
Raiola is a former five-star, a legacy kid who chose Nebraska to save the program, and now he’s coming to Eugene. It’s a bit of a "rich get richer" situation. With Dante Moore deciding to forgo the NFL Draft and return to Oregon for 2026, the Ducks suddenly have the most talented QB room in the country. It’s almost unfair.
Recent 2026 Commitments and Signees:
- Immanuel Iheanacho (OT): The crown jewel. A 5-star massive tackle from Maryland.
- Kendre Harrison (TE): A 6-foot-7 monster from North Carolina. He’s the #1 ranked TE in the country.
- Jett Washington (S): Bishop Gorman star. He’s the nephew of Kobe Bryant, and he plays like a pro already.
- Jalen Lott (WR): Speed for days. Another 5-star get from Texas.
- Aaron Scott Jr. (CB): A huge portal flip from Ohio State. Yes, Oregon is now taking starters from the Buckeyes.
The "Oregon Factor" in the Secondary
Is there a better secondary coach in the country than what Lanning has assembled? Doubtful. Landing Jett Washington was huge, but they also signed Davon Benjamin, another five-star defensive back.
Then you look at the portal.
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They just landed Koi Perich from Minnesota—the guy who led the Big Ten in interceptions as a freshman. And Aaron Scott Jr. from Ohio State. Oregon is essentially building an NFL-caliber secondary through a mix of elite high school recruiting and targeted portal poaching.
It’s not just about the flashy names, though. It’s about the culture. You see guys like Brandon Finney Jr., who was a freshman this past year, already making an impact. Recruits see that. They see that if they’re good enough, they’re old enough. Lanning says it all the time. He’s not lying.
Coaching Changes: Should Fans Worry?
A lot of people got nervous when Will Stein left for Kentucky and Tosh Lupoi headed to Cal to be the head coach. I get it. Losing both coordinators in one cycle is usually a death knell for a recruiting class.
But not here.
Lanning promoted from within. Drew Mehringer is the new OC. Chris Hampton is the DC. The recruits didn't blink. In fact, most of them cited Lanning’s personal involvement in their recruitment as the reason they stayed. The "Head Coach as the Lead Recruiter" model is working.
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What’s Next for Oregon Recruiting?
Look, the 2026 class is mostly "baked," but the work never stops. The Ducks are already looking at 2027. They have a lone commitment there, and other schools are trying to flip him.
If you're a fan, you should be watching the defensive line. Even with the stars they signed, you can never have enough depth in the Big Ten. Keep an eye on the transfer portal for one more interior defensive lineman before spring ball.
Next Steps for Die-Hard Fans:
- Watch the Spring Game: This will be the first time we see Dylan Raiola in an Oregon uniform. The hype will be through the roof.
- Monitor the 2027 Class: Watch for Lanning to host "Saturday Night Live" camp in the summer. That's usually where the next big wave of commits happens.
- Follow the Coordinator Transition: See how Mehringer and Hampton handle the bowl game prep. It’ll give us a preview of the 2026 season's tactical identity.
The reality is that Oregon has moved past the "scrappy underdog" phase. They are a juggernaut. When you read University of Oregon football recruiting news these days, it’s less about "Can they get him?" and more about "Where is he going to fit in the depth chart?" It's a good problem to have.