Ducks Digest

Oregon Ducks Pushing For 5-Star Recruit Richard Wesley Over USC Trojans

Five-star defensive lineman Richard Wesley has reclassified from the 2027 class to 2026, making him one of the most sought-after recruits in the country. The Oregon Ducks and USC Trojans have emerged as top destinations for the young defensive end.
Olivia Cleary|
Jan 1, 2025; Pasadena, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning reacts after the loss against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2025 Rose Bowl college football quarterfinal game at Rose Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Jan 1, 2025; Pasadena, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning reacts after the loss against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2025 Rose Bowl college football quarterfinal game at Rose Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

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Oregon DucksUSC Trojans

EUGENE – The Oregon Ducks and USC Trojans have been going head-to-head this offseason for some of the nation's most highly touted prospects, and this competition doesn’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon. The Ducks and Trojans have their sights set on yet another top talent that could provide exceptional support in the trenches for either program. 

2027 defensive lineman Richard Wesley has reclassified for the 2026 class. The young lineman holds a total of 24 offers, and Oregon and USC have emerged as frontrunners for his commitment. 

According to On3, USC currently has the highest odds of landing the five-star defensive lineman at 39.6 percent. Oregon isn’t too far behind, with a 34.7 percent chance of securing Wesley’s commitment. 

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Wesley has already taken unofficial visits to both Oregon and Texas A&M in January. He also has an extensive list of visits planned throughout the months of March and April, including trips to Ohio State, Georgia, Texas, Miami, Oregon, USC, Ole Miss, and Texas A&M, according to ESPN. 

Wesley also told ESPN that he plans to sign with a college program by the end of the year. 

"I really can't say what the future holds for me," Wesley said. "I'm excited for more opportunities to go talk with these coaches and see what they're about. I'm really open to everyone that’s offered me and who really wants me in their program." 

Wesley joined a group of elite former 2027 prospects who have reclassified into the 2026 class since the start of the new year. This list includes wide receiver Ethan "Boobie" Feaster (No. 21 in the ESPN Junior 300), tight end Mark Bowman (No. 23), running back Ezavier Crowell (No. 29), and cornerback Havon Finney Jr. (unranked). 

Prior to reclassifying, Wesley was widely regarded as one of the nation's top recruits in the 2027 high school class. The 6-4, 250-pound defensive lineman was ranked the No. 2 player nationally, the No. 1 defensive lineman, and the No. 1 prospect in California, according to On3. 

Dec 27, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley reacts against the Texas A&M Aggie
Dec 27, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley reacts against the Texas A&M Aggies in the second half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Wesley quickly established himself as one of the most sought-after high school defenders in the country after an impressive freshman season at Sierra Canyon in 2023, where he racked up 55 tackles and 10 sacks. He built on that success this past fall as a sophomore, delivering another dominant performance with 44 tackles, 16 of them for a loss, along with nine sacks and four forced fumbles. 

"All the colleges I talk to have shown me their recruiting boards and told me I'm at the top of their list at the position regardless of class," Wesley said. "They've told me good things and they've told me the things I need to work on. I need to work on my violence. I've been grinding at that every single day." 

Oregon is making a strong push to secure Wesley’s commitment as they compete with USC, which currently holds the No. 1 spot in the 2026 recruiting rankings, according to 247Sports. The Ducks sit just behind at No. 2.  With Dan Lanning at the helm, Oregon has continued to attract elite talent, and Lanning’s recent six-year contract extension only strengthens the program’s long-term outlook.  

Lanning’s vision for the Oregon Ducks is clear: bring multiple titles to Oregon while maintaining a strong recruiting presence against top-tier programs like USC. Securing Wesley would be another major step toward that goal, as the Ducks look to solidify their dominance in the trenches and dominate the recruiting trail. 

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Olivia Cleary
OLIVIA CLEARY

Olivia Cleary, commonly known as Liv, is a fourth-year student at the University of Oregon. While pursuing a degree in journalism, Olivia has submersed herself in the world of Oregon athletics. Olivia is an intern within the athletic department. This role has provided her with a unique perspective as she has created relationships with staff, administrators, and student-athletes. Olivia is eager to share her insights and analysis on the Ducks and the broader world of college sports.

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