Updated Recruiting Prediction on a Top 2024 Oregon Target
We're at an important part of the recruiting calendar in the 2024 cycle.
With just over three months until the early signing period in December, the Oregon coaching staff is honing in on their priority uncommitted targets and trying to schedule visits to host those players for on-campus visits.
2024 Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei offensive tackle Brandon Baker is one of those big targets, and he's set to announce his college commitment on September 24. Before it's decision time, he'll take an official visit to Nebraska this weekend.
Today, I'm changing my May prediction from the Oregon Ducks to the Texas Longhorns.
Confidence level: 7/10
Explaining the Pick
This was a pick I have been mulling over for the past week or so. I know I'm not the first one to make it, but I had to get an updated prediction in.
I've reached out to sources and every conversation I've had has reaffirmed my belief that Texas is the team to beat. Whether it was on here or on the Ducks Dish Podcast, I've been reporting that Texas was Oregon's biggest threat for Baker.
Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns have solidified themselves as a recruiting power since he was hired and that certainly doesn't look like it will slow down following the huge win over Alabama in Tuscaloosa.
READ MORE: Predicting the final score of No. 13 Oregon vs. Hawaii
Furthermore, I'm told that some close to Baker camp have been heavily pushing Texas and Nebraska, which could mean that Oregon might even be running in third behind the Cornhuskers here.
I've covered this recruitment for a long time and ever since his visit to Oregon for the spring game, more and more time passed without him scheduling his official visit with the Ducks. That looks like their last chance to make something happen here, but I doubt that comes together on such short notice and with a commitment scheduled for the day after the Colorado game.
Lastly I'll say this.
Oregon has been focusing a lot of their recruiting attention on other offensive linemen this cycle in Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy OL Jordon Seaton and Tampa (Fla.) Catholic OL Eddy Pierre-Louis. That's been the case for the past month or so, which may show where their priorities lie along the offensive line.