Despite a record-shattering start, a new evaluation places Dan Lanning’s 2023 haul at ninth nationally, leaving the Oregon Ducks’ elite talent to chase a championship-defining final surge.
The Oregon Ducks will need their 2023 recruiting class to finish things strong with the program during the 2026 season.
The Ducks are expected to be in the race for the College Football Playoff national championship. With quarterback Dante Moore returning, Oregon will have one of the most talented rosters in college football this fall.
Manny Navarro of The Athletic ranked the top 10 recruiting classes from 2023. That class has a 38-5 record during their first three seasons.
He ranked the Ducks as having the No. 9 class with pass-rushers Matayo Uiagalelei and Teitum Tuioti, defensive lineman A’Mauri Washington, center Iapani Laloulu, and linebacker Jerry Mixon set to play a large role this fall.
Tight end Kenyon Sadiq went to the New York Jets in the first round of this year's draft. Cornerback Rodrick Pleasant has been a stud after transferring to UCLA. Running back Dante Dowdell should be a key contributor for Georgia after transferring.
Navarro argued that Oregon could rise to the top 3 for the 2023 recruiting class if they have a "strong finish" during the 2026 season.
Washington has a chance to become a star during his final season in college football. He needs to become a much more consistent player. If he has a high motor this season, he could be one of the top prospects at his position for the 2027 NFL Draft.
Oregon head coach Dan Lanning thinks the team has become strong during their 15 spring practices. Still, he noted the team has much more growth to undergo this summer.
"We became a much more connected team this spring... We have to get stronger," Lanning said in April.
"We have to continue to become the physical team that we've been here in the past. There are a lot of areas still for growth, but I think we're a really smart team right now and understand what we want to accomplish."
Oregon will need its leadership to be strong and pave a path for the program. The 2023 class could be instrumental in leading the Ducks to its first-ever national championship.
