In the ever-evolving world of college football recruiting, Oregon Ducks fans find themselves on the edge of their seats as the saga of five-star recruit Richard Wesley unfolds. Wesley, a premier pass-rusher, recently surprised many by de-committing from Oregon’s 2026 class, despite a well-documented recruiting victory just over a month ago when coach Dan Lanning literally took the plunge with Wesley. The splashy commitment then didn’t stick, as just 17 days later, Wesley reopened his recruitment.
This weekend’s trip to Eugene marked a significant moment for the young athlete and his family as they reassessed where Oregon stands among his potential destinations. Despite the twists and turns, Wesley shared with 247Sports, “I mean, I love it up there… it was great to be back in the city and see everybody once again and feel welcomed… We still think very highly of Oregon. They are making a big push for sure, but I have to weigh out my other options before making a decision.”
Reclassified to the Class of 2026 out of powerhouse Sierra Canyon in Chatsworth, Wesley’s youth belies his dominance on the field. In just two seasons, he amassed 94 tackles (27.5 for a loss), 18.5 sacks, and multiple turnovers in 24 games. His rank as the No. 43 overall recruit nationally and the No. 7 edge rusher reflects his prowess, not to mention a significant NIL valuation at $312,000.
Wesley remains impressed by the Oregon coaching staff’s consistency and transparency. “The interactions were great. They didn’t change or switch up because of what happened, and treated me like I was one of their players. This also was one of the trips that a good majority of my family went out to, and they for sure loved it… The Oregon coaches told me that they wanted me to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime experience with all the official visits, so they didn’t push me into committing.”
But it’s not just Oregon vying for Wesley’s talents. Eyes are set on upcoming visits to the Texas Longhorns and Ohio State Buckeyes, with influential programs like Texas A&M and USC also in the mix. It appears a decision will likely seep into fall, as Wesley meticulously weighs his standout options.
Wesley’s visit wasn’t the only highlight for Ducks fans; the weekend was a magnet for 2026 talent. Eugene saw visits from three additional five-star recruits: cornerback Brandon Arrington, linebacker Tyler Atkinson, and safety Jett Washington, alongside some four-star powerhouses, including Oregon commits like linebacker Tristan Phillips and defensive back Xavier Lherisse.
All these moves put Oregon, under coach Dan Lanning’s guidance, in a strong position, with the 2026 class currently ranked No. 10 nationally and No. 3 within the Big Ten Conference. As the Ducks aim to solidify a robust roster for the future, the anticipation around Wesley’s final decision and the overall impact of this recruiting class continue to build. Ducks fans can anticipate a fall full of tight competition and potential victories, on and off the field.
