Oregon Ducks Land Major Five-Star Target Hayden Stepp

The Oregon Ducks got a major steal on the recruiting trail who was thought to be a strong contender to head to the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Five-star cornerback Hayden Stepp, along with four-star Tae Walden Jr., committed to the Ducks on Wednesday in their 2027 recruiting class.

Stepp was a real get for Oregon.

It bolsters an already-No. 1 ranked recruiting class nationally to now include five top-100 defenders.

Stepp is the No. 1 commit in the class, ranks as ESPN’s No. 3 cornerback, and No. 16 in SC Next 300.

The Bishop Gorman, Nev., native chose the Ducks over the Crimson Tide and Cal Golden Bears. The Georgia Bulldogs also threw their hat in the ring, showing interest in the spring.

To read more about the major pickup for Oregon’s recruiting profile and what to expect out of the prospect, here’s the full story from Ducks Roundtable writer Greg Liodice.

Stepp helped Bishop Gorman win its fifth straight state title and has played an instrumental role as he heads into his fourth season as a starter.

In his junior season, he totaled 24 tackles and four pass breakups.

He has a solid 6-foot-3 frame with real ability to be disruptive in the passing game.

Stepp visited the program back in the fall and went back multiple times this spring as they worked to land the coveted target, including the team’s spring game.

Stepp told ESPN that head coach Dan Lanning’s decision to promote secondary coach Chris Hampton to defensive coordinator once Tosh Lupoi departed was a key factor in his commitment as he values continuity.