Highly-Regarded Prospect in Oregon Chooses Direction Over Pursuit from Texas and Ohio State
Ducks Lose Key Recruit to Bulldogs, but Secure Top Edge Rusher
The Oregon football team is still recovering from the shocking loss of five-star recruit Jared Curtis, who chose Georgia over the Ducks just five days ago. However, head coach Dan Lanning and the Ducks managed to secure a considerable victory on the recruiting trail with a verbal commitment from Richard Wesley.
Wesley, a star edge rusher from Sierra Canyon High in Chatsworth, California, will be heading to Eugene. Lanning and the Ducks beat out Power 5 rivals Texas and Ohio State for Wesley's commitment. Hayes Fawcett of On3 confirmed the news.
Texas and the Buckeyes were among several schools vying for Wesley's services, who also turned down Southeastern Conference powerhouse Texas A&M. When Fawcett asked Wesley about his decision, he responded with "Scooo," a nod to the Oregon Ducks' mascot, the Mighty Oak.
The Big Ten champs have now landed a significant recruiting coup and made up for the lost ground following the Curtis debacle.
Comparison of Oregon, Texas, and Ohio State's Recruiting Classes
Oregon's 2026 recruiting class rose quickly in the rankings in February before hitting a rough patch in March. They lost several high-profile recruits, including Tomuhini Topui, who chose USC over the Ducks, and Jonas Williams, who also switched his commitment.
However, the Ducks gained some positive momentum with the commitment of Kendre Harrison, a five-star tight end, who solidified his intentions to join the Ducks on March 13. Still, Oregon's 2026 class falls short, sitting at 14th overall by 247Sports.
Texas and Ohio State also field strong recruiting classes, but their rankings vary significantly from Oregon's. Texas currently ranks lower than Oregon, sitting at 37th nationally, while Ohio State boasts the nation's third-best class.
Both the Buckeyes and the Ducks have secured two five-star commits, and the 6-foot-5, 250-pound Wesley is the third-best edge rusher in the country by 247Sports and California's No. 5 ranked prospect. In fact, Greg Biggins of 247Sports compared Wesley to former Ducks standout and current NFL star Kayvon Thibodeaux.
With Wesley's verbal commitment, the Ducks' defense just got a whole lot stronger. It's a strategic move that could help them regain their footing in the highly competitive college recruiting scene.
Shockingly, Richard Wesley, a top edge rusher from California, commits to the Oregon Ducks football team, providing a significant boost to their recruiting class following the loss of Jared Curtis. This commitment puts the Ducks ahead of Power 5 rivals Texas and Ohio State in the recruitment of Wesley, as confirmed by Hayes Fawcett of On3. With Wesley's addition, Oregon's defense is poised to be stronger, potentially helping them regain their footing in the competitive college recruiting scene. Despite the positive momentum, Oregon's 2026 recruiting class still falls short, sitting at 14th overall by 247Sports, while Texas and Ohio State's classes vary significantly in rankings.
