DSA Inside Read: Recruiting Primer

 

WEEKEND EXCITEMENT?

Though it was always expected to be a “slow news” weekend on the recruiting front, Oregon fans still found plenty to get excited about. The buzz started when Immanuel Iheanacho, Oregon’s highest-rated commit in the 2026 class, posted a cryptic tweet about “another one.” That sent the fanbase into a frenzy, speculating about a possible new commitment, even as they debated who it might be given the limited number of prospects close to making a decision.

Based on what I’ve been told, Iheanacho’s tweet wasn’t referring to a new addition beyond the “second quack” we’ve been anticipating. Instead, it was more of a confirmation tied to an edit that Hayes Fawcett was asked to make. In other words, both Iheanacho’s tweet and Fawcett’s edit reference the same silent commitment.

While this doesn’t point to a new name beyond what’s already been hinted at, it shouldn’t dampen the excitement. The important takeaway is that this is more than just a graphic edit — it’s a real silent commit.

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NICK ABRAMS

The only known upcoming commitment scheduled for July is Nick Abrams, who is essentially down to three schools: Georgia, Oregon, and Michigan. Michigan has made a strong push in the last few days and is in a much better position now than it was a week ago.

One of the biggest challenges for Oregon isn’t necessarily distance but logistics. For many East Coast athletes, there’s no direct flight to Eugene, turning a family visit into a very long day. With an hour at the airport before departure, a 5.5-hour flight, and a two-hour layover — plus going backward three time zones — you’re easily looking at an 8.5-hour travel day, if not more. As someone who has recently spent plenty of time on the road, I understand just how daunting that can be. Oregon has overcome this hurdle often, but it remains a real consideration for recruits and their families.

Abrams has mentioned these travel challenges in prior interviews. However, Oregon’s elite branding and marketing strategies are incredibly appealing and remain one of the program’s biggest selling points.

While this isn’t directly from the Oregon staff, there’s a belief that Georgia will ultimately land both Abrams and Tyler Atkinson. If Oregon decides to make a final, all-in push, I could see a scenario where the Ducks land Abrams. For now, though, I still lean toward Georgia as the likely pick, with the Bulldogs securing both elite linebackers.

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DAVON BENJAMIN

The Ducks remain in a strong position with Davon Benjamin. There’s a high level of confidence among the staff that their efforts will pay off. Benjamin has been Oregon’s top cornerback target in this class for a long time, and they’ve recruited him as such from the start. He loves the Oregon staff and feels strongly about the program fit. I really like where Oregon stands heading into his decision.

Benjamin is set to announce his commitment on August 2.

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DEUCE GERALDS

Oregon has done a tremendous job with Deuce Geralds, who is also set to commit on August 2 — the same day as Benjamin. This wasn’t a coordinated decision between the two prospects, but it’s a great time to commit as most college teams are kicking off fall camp.

By all accounts, Oregon is still the team to beat here. If I were a betting man, I’d wager a small amount that he picks the Ducks in just under three weeks. The staff is very high on Geralds, and there has been some excellent peer recruiting at play. I think Oregon ultimately gets this one done.

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ANTHONY “TANK” JONES

Once again, I’m going against the grain here: I believe Jones is Alabama’s to lose. While many say, “Don’t count Oregon out,” and that’s true to an extent — the Ducks have done a fantastic job presenting a vision that isn’t just about money but also about branding, marketing, and long-term development, especially at the EDGE position — I still see Alabama as the heavy favorite.

Alabama is to Jones what Oregon was to Justin Herbert: a lifelong dream school and ideal fit. I don’t see him passing up that opportunity.

Of course, I’d love to be wrong and have to eat some crow on the boards if it happens. But for now, I wouldn’t bet too heavily on this one flipping unless something drastically changes.

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TYLER ATKINSON

Earlier this spring, it looked like Georgia wasn’t going to engage in a heavy NIL bidding war for Atkinson — which briefly gave Oregon an edge thanks to its advanced branding strategy. But that changed, and Georgia’s position strengthened quickly.

In fact, given Texas’s struggles to land linebackers recently, I wouldn’t be surprised if Texas emerges as Georgia’s main competition here, with Oregon ending up in third place.

Look, it’s tough to pull the No. 1 linebacker in the nation — and arguably the best player in Georgia — all the way to Eugene. I just don’t see that happening in this cycle.