Dana Altman has had a week for the books as he works to bring in a top recruiting class for the Oregon Ducks. After being included in Adam Oumiddoch's final five schools, Altman and the Ducks made the cut for a five-star prospect's final two programs.
Five-star small forward Tajh Ariza listed Oregon and the USC Trojans as the final two programs under his consideration, setting the two long-time rivals against each other once again.
Ariza took just two official visits this fall, one with the Ducks and one with the Trojans, despite receiving 13 offers, including ones from blue bloods like Kansas, Kentucky, and North Carolina.
The five-star small forward is the No. 6 player at his position in the class of 2026, and the No. 14 overall prospect in the class. Standing at 6-foot-9, he has an astonishing wingspan of 7 feet, making him a difficult presence to get past in the paint, as well as playing well in the field.
During his most recent season for Westchester High School (Bellflower, CA), he averaged 27 points, 14 rebounds, and five assists per game.
The best part of Ariza's profile is that he is the son of Trevor Ariza, who spent 18 years in the NBA (including winning the 2009 title) after playing for the UCLA Bruins.
NEWS: 2026 Top-15 overall recruit Tajh Ariza is down to two schools, source tells @Rivals:
— Joe Tipton (@TiptonEdits) September 27, 2025
USC and Oregon
The 6-9 small forward is the son of 18-year NBA veteran Trevor Ariza. https://t.co/pbIMQf3z5O pic.twitter.com/2c01vMzAAH
So far, Altman has brought in just one prospect from the upcoming class, four-star center Kendre Harrison. Meanwhile, the Trojans and head coach Eric Musselman have landed zero prospects from the upcoming recruiting cycle, despite extending 25 offers.
However, just a year ago, Musselman brought in the No. 8 class of 2025, while Altman and the Ducks were only able to land the No. 88 class, including just two signees, while also signing three transfers from the portal.