Mike Gundy did the Ducks a huge favor. By creating a mini-media firestorm over Oregon's NIL funding and revenue-sharing budget, he accomplished two things:
1. He riled up Oregon fans and created new energy for a lackluster matchup, No. 6 versus no-chance.
2. He underscored to recruits that Oregon is a place to be, where a player has a chance to compete and create opportunities for himself.
Like a good wrassler before the main event, Gundy hyped the gate and made himself the heavy. The energy will be high and the Autzen crowd will be loud. The Duck is likely to come out in a Ted DiBiase jacket.
How Mike Gundy sees Dan Lanning. https://t.co/U7p1rgfN0A
— Dale Bliss (@AutzenZoo_Bliss) September 2, 2025
While Gundy's intention was to send a message to his own boosters, administration and fans, it backfired badly in adding juice and motivation for the Ducks and the Autzen crowd. That only serves to liven up Autzen Stadium on the first big recruiting weekend.
Teams with a Top 10 College Football Recruiting & Transfer Portal class🔥https://t.co/Bgb1DVXmI1 pic.twitter.com/xwnY8BUSyx
— On3 (@On3sports) February 17, 2025
It's also a big weekend for basketball recruiting, with the Ducks bringing some key 2026 targets:
5⭐️ PF Christian Collins (#2 NATL)
5⭐️ SF Tajh Ariza (#11)
5⭐️ PG Tay Kinney (#16)
5⭐️ C Ethan Taylor (#22)
4⭐️ SG Adam Oumiddoch (#45)
From Scott Reed of Duck Sports Central, here's a list of the high-profile commits and prospects that will be visiting Oregon this weekend:
Committed players visiting for Okie State
4-star Quarterback Bryson Beaver
5-star Edge Rush Anthony "Tank" Jones
4-star Safety Devin Jackson
4-star Defensive Lineman Tony Cumberland
Oregon 4-star DB commit Devin Jackson will be back in Eugene this weekend 🦆
— Oregon Updates (@oregon__updates) September 4, 2025
He plans to only visit Oregon pic.twitter.com/CMrMkbg3jG
2027 targets visiting
Edge rusher David Jacobs
WR Osani Gayles
CB Josiah Molden (from West Linn, Oregon, son of Alex Molden, NFL first-round draft pick and All-American with the Ducks)
In the 2028 class, the Ducks will welcome defensive lineman Dawson Jacobs, the younger brother of David Jacobs and a national prospect at 6-3, 245.
Gundy's clumsy shot at Oregon's NIL prowess only managed to create an electric atmosphere and an unfriendly welcome for his downtrodden program. Autzen Stadium will be loud and thirsty for touchdowns and sacks, an enthusiasm the Ducks' premier visitors will certainly drink in.