The Oregon Ducks have topped the Ohio State Buckeyes in a huge area.
The Oregon Ducks just arrived in the Big Ten two years ago, so it will surely take some time for them to build extensive, heated rivalries with teams within the conference.
But it's easy to see that the Ohio State Buckeyes may end up No. 1 on their list.
Oregon did not face Ohio State this past season, but the Ducks saw the Buckeyes twice during the 2024-25 campaign, besting them in Eugene during the regular season and then getting routed by them in the Rose Bowl.
The brutal College Football Playoff lost to Ohio State in January 2025 still surely leaves a foul taste in Oregon's mouth, and the Ducks will get a chance at revenge next November when it heads to Columbus.
And based on the recruiting class Oregon has coming in for next season, Dan Lanning and Co. may have a great opportunity to avenge their Rose Bowl defeat.
On 3 released its latest set of 2026 recruiting rankings this week, and the Ducks came in fourth place behind USC, Notre Dame and Ohio State.
However, Oregon has a pretty significant advantage over the Buckeyes when it comes to one particular area: five-star prospects.
Oregon Ducks coach Dan Lanning and Ohio State Buckeyes coach Ryan Day. Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.The Ducks have landed commitments from four five-star recruits heading into 2026 compared to just two for Ohio State.
Offensive lineman Immanuel Iheanacho, tight end Kendre Harrison, safety Jett Washington and wide receiver Jalen Lott represent the five-star talents for Oregon, which has bagged 21 commitments in total for next season.
The Buckeyes have gotten commitments from 28 players in total for 2026, including 16 four-stars. The Ducks have just 12 in that area, and because Ohio State has netted more recruits overall, the Buckeyes are just ahead of Oregon in the rankings.
But the fact that the Ducks have landed twice as many five-star recruits as Ohio State — and also more than any other school in the country — is very significant.
It's also important to remember that while the Buckeyes have lost a plethora of players to the NFL Draft and the transfer portal, Oregon is returning critical pieces like quarterback Dante Moore and numerous defensive players.
Perhaps the Ducks will finally be able to get over the hump and win a national championships next year.
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