In the ultra-competitive world of college football recruiting, coaches will go to great lengths to land elite talent – and Oregon head coach Dan Lanning is no different.
As a matter of fact, Lanning just made a major splash – in more ways than one.
Over the weekend, 5-star EDGE rusher Richard Wesley, one of the top prospects in the 2026 class, made a surprise commitment to the Ducks during a campus visit.
But it wasn’t just the timing of the announcement that raised eyebrows – it was how he did it.
To reveal his commitment, Wesley asked Lanning to take part in his decision video. The request? Take off his shirt and jump into a swimming pool alongside the prized recruit.
Wesley’s decision is a major win for Oregon’s 2026 recruiting class.
According to the 247Sports Composite, he ranks as the No. 20 overall prospect and the No. 3 EDGE in the nation.
The Ducks have built a reputation under Lanning as one of the top programs in the country for defensive development, and Wesley’s commitment only reinforces that trajectory.
While Wesley’s commitment itself was celebrated by Duck fans, the video drew a wide array of reactions online – ranging from admiration to secondhand embarrassment.
“I thought nothing could be more goofy than that Brian Kelly video. I was wrong.”
“I didn’t think it was possible to top Brian Kelly.”
“I thought they didn’t play for clicks.”
“Cringeyyyy.”
“We have coaches dancing & frolicking with recruits , jumping pools together all to impress 17 year old kids than wonder why it’s impossible to hold them accountable and demand toughness once the season starts. These players know u have to glaze them now or else they just leave.”
Regardless of how the internet feels, Lanning and his staff are clearly focused on results.
If a pool dive and a “cringe” video help land a game-changing talent like Wesley, the Oregon coach is more than willing to keep the splashy celebrations coming.
Wesley is expected to be a cornerstone of Oregon’s future defensive front, and for now, the Ducks are riding the wave of a successful – if unconventional – recruitment.
What are your thoughts on Wesley’s commitment? … More importantly, what do you think of the (let’s face it) painfully cringe video???
