Not too long ago, Kalen DeBoer was enemy no. 1 for the Oregon Ducks, especially when he led the Washington Huskies to the National Championship Game in 2023. In the end, Oregon didn't have to worry about DeBoer for too long as he treated Washington like a stepping stone job, and left the Huskies for Alabama just two years into his tenure.
While Kalen DeBoer is in Tuscaloosa, he's still an enemy to the Ducks, especially as things currently stand. As Dan Lanning and Alabama are each recruiting juggernauts, the two coaches are seemingly facing off for top recruits more than when they were Pac 12 foes. In the 2027 recruiting class, Alabama and Oregon are seemingly battling over three of the same top targets which could end up determining which school lands a top 3 class, and which is left scrambling for new options.
The 3 top recruits Dan Lanning will need to beat Kalen DeBoer out for
Xavier Sabb - Wide Receiver
The Oregon Ducks are still looking for their first commitment from a wide receiver in this recruiting class, despite the fact that they have an elite quarterback on board in Will Mencl. One of the Ducks' top targets is Glassboro, NJ native Xavier Sabb, who's visiting LSU this weekend. If Oregon is going to land the 5-star WR, the biggest hurdle may be Alabama, where Sabb's two older brothers are currently playing for Kalen DeBoer.
Hayden Strepp - Cornerback
After Donte Wright flipped to Miami instead of Oregon, and with Ai'King Hall flipping from the Ducks to the Canes, Oregon really needs to make a splash at cornerback. The top target now seemingly becomes Bishop Gorman star Hayden Strepp who's down to just 4 programs including Alabama and Oregon. The Ducks will make a strong push to get Strepp on board in this recruiting class, but Alabama has had a ton of success adding West Coast DBs under DeBoer, making this a major battle to watch.
KJ Green - Edge Rusher
It's seemingly anyone's race for elite edge rusher KJ Green heading into a busy summer of official visits. This weekend, Green will make his way to Eugene where Oregon will hope to continue surging up his list to hopefully get him on board before National Signing Day. Alabama has been a major threat for Green as well hosting him on several visits, and this could also boil down to Dan Lanning Vs Kalen DeBoer in the end.
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