Oregon football recruiting: Wesley commit is like a sack in field goal range

Football is a game of emotion and momentum, and nothing seizes the momentum like a sack that takes the opponent out of field goal range.

The last two times the Ducks needed plays like that, they reached into Southern California for edge rushers Matayo Uiagalelei and Kayvon Thibodeaux.

They did it again Saturday night when Dan Lanning tossed off his tee shirt and jumped into the pool with 5-star edge rusher Richard "Richie" Wesley of Sierra Canyon High School in Chatsworth, Calif., 6-5, 250.

Wesley is an impact player, the kind of commitment that draws interest from other high-profile prospects entering their decision phase. As an edge rusher he's the key to a stifling defense, a leader and a playmaker.

His commitment signals the Ducks still have the power to pull elite recruits out of Southern California. It shows their commitment to aggressive, attacking defense with dudes in the trenches.

In the 2026 team rankings, Wesley's decision elevates Oregon from No. 14 to No. 8. Their average rating per commit is 4.25, the highest in the NCAA.

Wesley started at Sierra Canyon as a 15-year-old freshman and had six sacks in his first two games.

The 6-4, 250 pass rusher committed to the Ducks Ducks over Ohio State, Texas, Texas A&M, Tennessee and USC.

Oregon reporters have compared him to Thibodeaux, but Wesley's football role model is Aaron Donald. He combines the same quickness off the line and relentless effort that Donald showed winning the Outland Trophy and Lombardi Award, going on to a nine-year NFL career, three times Defensive Player of the Year.

"He just has a quickness and a tenacity that makes him a five-star prospect," David Schuman of NUC Sports said.

He rates Wesley high in these critical areas:

Explosive edge rushes and powerful rip moves

Versatile defender with the ability to play inside

Strong awareness, balance, and tenacity on the field

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