Oregon’s football program is facing a tough challenge at the moment. The recent changes in the NCAA’s rules regarding Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) have caused a major setback for the team’s recruiting efforts. The Ducks were initially on track to secure a top spot in the 2026 recruiting class, but the unlimited NIL factor has thrown a wrench in their plans.
Head coach Dan Lanning and his coaching staff had high hopes for the 2026 recruiting class. They were targeting some of the best high school players in the country, and it seemed like they were well on their way to building a powerhouse team. However, the recent developments have put a damper on their plans.
The NIL factor allows college athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness, which was previously prohibited by the NCAA. This has opened up a whole new world of opportunities for student-athletes, but it has also created a challenge for college programs. With the NIL factor in play, players now have more options when it comes to choosing a school, and this has made the recruiting process even more competitive.
Oregon, known for its innovative and forward-thinking approach, was quick to embrace the NIL changes. The Ducks were one of the first programs to offer NIL deals to their players, which was seen as a major advantage in the recruiting game. However, things haven’t gone as planned for the Ducks.
The first setback came when 5-star quarterback prospect Malachi Nelson, who was previously committed to Oregon, decided to decommit and reopen his recruitment. Nelson, who is considered one of the top players in the 2023 class, cited the NIL factor as one of the reasons for his decision. He stated that he wanted to explore all of his options and make an informed decision that would benefit him both on and off the field.
Losing Nelson was a major blow for the Ducks, as he was seen as the cornerstone of their 2026 recruiting class. His decommitment raised concerns about the team’s ability to attract top talent in the future. However, the Ducks were quick to bounce back from this setback.
They landed a commitment from 4-star defensive lineman Hero Kanu, who was previously committed to Oklahoma. Kanu, who is known for his versatility and athleticism, is a highly sought-after prospect and a huge addition to the Ducks’ 2026 class. His commitment was seen as a sign that the Ducks were still in the game and could compete with other top programs for elite recruits.
But just when things were starting to look up for Oregon, they faced another setback. 4-star defensive lineman Anthony Lucas, who was considered a top target for the Ducks, announced his commitment to Texas A&M. This was a major disappointment for the Ducks, as they had put in a lot of effort to recruit Lucas. His decision to choose Texas A&M over Oregon was seen as a result of the NIL factor, as the Aggies were able to offer him a more lucrative NIL deal.
The Ducks now find themselves in a bit of a pickle. They have lost two key recruits due to the NIL factor, and it has raised concerns about their ability to attract top talent in the future. However, this is not the time to panic. Coach Lanning and his staff must stay focused and continue to work towards building a strong recruiting class.
One of the key players that the Ducks must land is 4-star defensive lineman Omari Abor. Abor, who is considered one of the top players in the 2022 class, has a list of suitors that includes top programs like Alabama, Georgia, and Ohio State. Landing Abor would be a huge statement for the Ducks and would show that they are still a force to be reckoned with in the recruiting game.
Coach Lanning must also focus on building strong relationships with high school coaches and players. The NIL factor has made the recruiting process even more competitive, and it’s important for the Ducks to stand out in the eyes of potential recruits. Building strong relationships with coaches and players will not only help the Ducks in the current recruiting cycle but also in the future.
The Ducks must also continue to embrace the NIL changes and use it to their advantage. They were one of the first programs to offer NIL deals to their players, and they must continue to be innovative and creative in this aspect. This will not only help them attract top talent but also give their players an edge in the competitive world of college
