Under Dan Lanning, the Oregon Ducks have become a powerhouse on the recruiting trail, constantly signing a top 5 recruiting class in the Country. In order to sign top 5 classes, you have to be able to reel in highly ranked 4 and 5-star recruits. When the Ducks sign a recruiting class, the lowly ranked recruits often get overlooked.
The Oregon Ducks have actually found some of the most success with some of the 3-star recruits they've taken a chance on. Heading into the 2026-27 season, Oregon's hopes of finally winning a National Championship may actually swing on 3 of their biggest recruiting success stories.
Oregon's 3 biggest recruiting finds under Dan Lanning
Jerry Mixon - Linebacker - 2023 Recruiting Class
Ranked as the 676th best player in the Country and the 71st ranked linebacker in the class, there weren't massive expectations for Jerry Mixon at Oregon. Instead, Mixon waited his turn for two seasons before stepping into the starting linebacker role in 2025 with 57 tackles and a pair of interceptions. Mixon returns for another season as the middle of the Ducks defense with a chance to lead the best unit in the Country.
Tatum Tuioti - Edge Rusher - 2023 Recruiting Class
When Oregon landed 3-star edge rusher Teitum Tuioti, many may have overlooked it given the fact that he was the son of Oregon DL coach Tony Tuioti. As a True Freshman, Tuioti instantly made an impact with a pair of sacks before taking the next step in 2024 with 5.5 sacks. This season, Tuioti became one of the best edge rusher with 9.5 sacks, and if he continues to develop he'll be key in getting the Ducks over the hump and winning the National Championship.
Dave Iuli - Offensive Line - 2022 Recruiting Class
Offensive Lineman Dave Iuli signed with Oregon as a recruit ranked outside the top 300 in the Country. Instantly, Iuli mad an impact appearing in 19 games over his first two seasons in Eugene at Guard. After starting 4 games in 2024, Dave Iuli jumped full time into a starting role on an offensive line that was a finalist for The Joe Moore Award, and he'll return for one more season as a leader of the offense.
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