The Oregon Ducks are locked in a tight recruiting race with SEC heavyweights as the battle intensifies for one of the premier uncommitted prospects in the 2026 class.
Five-star edge rusher Anthony “Tank” Jones is weighing his options between Alabama, Texas A\&M, and Oregon. The standout from Alabama hasn’t set a formal commitment date yet but is nearing a decision.
According to Steve Wiltfong of On3, the Oregon Ducks may be late to the race for five-star edge rusher Anthony “Tank” Jones, but they’re making a serious impression. Oregon extended an offer to Jones this past February—the same day he received one from Texas A&M.
“Don’t count out the Ducks,” Wiltfong said. “Dan Lanning and Tosh Lupoi are a strong recruiting duo. On the NIL front, all three programs—Alabama, Texas A&M, and Oregon—are being aggressive. While I’ve discussed Alabama and A&M more throughout this cycle, Oregon is a team I’m watching closely as decision time approaches.”
Wiltfong compared Jones’ recruitment to that of Oregon cornerback Na’eem Offord, another top prospect who received a late push from the Ducks. Despite pressure from Ohio State, Oregon landed Offord in a major win during the 2025 cycle. If Lanning can secure Jones’ commitment, it would mark another under-the-radar recruiting victory in back-to-back years.
Jones ranks as one of the highest-profile uncommitted players in the 2026 class. He’s listed as the No. 4 edge rusher and the No. 18 overall player nationally in the 247Sports Composite rankings. Among uncommitted prospects, only No. 1 running back Savion Hiter and No. 1 safety Bralan Womack are ranked higher.
Despite Oregon’s late surge, On3’s Recruiting Prediction Machine currently favors Alabama with a 31.1% chance of landing the in-state star. Texas A&M follows at 9.8%, while Oregon trails with a 6.6% shot at securing Jones’ commitment.
The Oregon Ducks currently hold the No. 11 recruiting class for 2026, per 247Sports, but landing Anthony “Tank” Jones could vault them into the top 10. His commitment would make him the fourth five-star recruit to join Oregon’s class, alongside offensive lineman Immanuel Iheanacho, safety Jett Washington, and tight end Kendre Harrison.
Iheanacho headlines the group as the nation’s top offensive tackle and No. 8 overall player, according to the 247Sports Composite. Washington is ranked No. 23 nationally, with Harrison close behind at No. 28.
Securing a fourth five-star talent would not only elevate Oregon’s recruiting class rankings but also solidify the program’s foundation heading into the 2025 season—a strong signal that the Ducks are trending in the right direction.
Source: SI.com
Leave a Reply