Oregon Football Recruiting: Killer visits end a quiet period

It's been quiet in Oregon football recruiting. The Ducks' last commitment was defensive back Xavier Lherisse back on February 26, and they've had three decommitments since then.

Tomuhini Topui, Bott Mulitalo and Jonas Williams all left the class, and worse yet, Topui and Williams committed to USC, which has the No. 1 class in the country for 2026 with 22 commitments. Oregon remains No. 7 with eight.

The lull is nearly over. Like Autzen Stadium on Saturday, it's about to get loud.

Dan Lanning and the staff haven't been sleeping. Despite a full focus on spring practice they've once again shown the ability to walk and chew gum, using things like Pro Day, spring workouts and the NFL draft to promote the program and show it off to high-profile recruits.

The visit list over the last couple of weeks shows a new level of intensity and a focus on some of the best talent in the country. Here's a rundown of some the key prospects the Ducks are targeting in the 2026 class, based on recent visits.

Oh, and about that 2026 USC class. It's made a lot of noise because Lincoln Riley and the Trojans have sought a volume of commitments rather than quality. The class includes eight three stars and seven low four-stars (Rivals rating of 5.8 or below.)

It's a little like scoring the 24-pack of black beans at Costco and picking up a Polish dog on your way out. The cart and the stomach are full, but there's not a lot of excitement when you unpack it.

By contrast, the Ducks are focusing in on elite players.

Jett Washington, Bishop Gorman Safety

Washington visited this weekend, a legit 6-5, 200. He's a two-sport star who averaged 13 points and eight rebounds for the Gaels as a sophomore, leading that squad to a Nevada state championship. In football, Gorman won a national championship in 2023.

Washington is Kobe Bryant's nephew. A year ago in January he went off for 33 points in a game against
San Francisco Riordan in the Coastal Catholic Classic. His mother Sharia is Bryant's sister, the daughter of the late Joe "Jellybean" Bryant, who played four seasons in the NBA and then in Europe. The athleticism runs deep.

Last August against Hawaii state champion Kahuku Washington opened the football season with two interceptions in a 33-7 victory.

His mother was an all-conference volleyball player at Temple and his dad Jerrod was drafted by the New England Patriots in 1994, so he's enjoyed a unique perspective about fame and pressure. He told The Athletic:

“Sometimes I feel a little bit of pressure (being Bryant’s nephew), but my parents make sure I don’t feel it too much. They tell me to just go out there and have fun, don’t try to overthink and just play. My uncle was a great player. At the same time, I know he wanted me to make my own name. He laid the foundation for me. I’m just grateful.”

Nick Abrams, McDonough linebacker

Abrams, a 6-2, 210 linebacker from Owings Mills, Maryland tripped to the Ducks this weekend, a former teammate of Oregon freshman cornerback Brandon Finney.

Abrams is fast, athletic and versatile with a 4.57 40, ranked the No. 240 prospect and No. 20 LB by Rivals.

At the "Touchdown Alabama" website they asked Abrams what made him a top D-1 prospect. “My versatility, being able to rush the passer and be dominant in the run game,” Abrams said. “I am able to run sideline to sideline, drop back in coverage, make deflections and catch picks.”

Elbert Hill, Hoban High, Akron, Ohio, 5-star cornerback

A high-priority target in the 2026 class, Hill visited this weekend and spent time with Ohio native Trey McNutt, 5-star freshman safety.

Hill is 5-10, 161, the No. 14 prospect and No. 1 cornerback, twitchy and tenacious. As a sophomore in 2023 he racked up seven interceptions, two for touchdowns, and 10 pass breakups, scoring a total of nine touchdowns.

Hill earned recognition as the Cleveland Browns' selection for the "Next Ones" program, a skills challenge ahead of Super Bowl LIX.

Richard Wesley, Chatsworth, Calif. Edge Rusher

Rivals No. 1 defensive end and No. 9 overall prospect, Wesley visits Eugene for the spring game next week, 6-5, 250

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