Dan Lanning prioritizing elite talent over volume with 2026 class

Head coach Dan Lanning and the Oregon Ducks are taking a different approach to the 2026 recruiting class than they have in years past.

While the 2025 class has excelled, with the likes of Brandon Finney Jr., Dakorien Moore and Jordon Davison carving out significant roles, it also included a large number of players with the number of signings in the high 20's.

That's not the case for the 2026 class. Instead, Lanning and his staff have taken the "quality over quantity approach," with him saying as much during Wednesday's press conference.

"This class wasn't about signing as many guys as we possibly could; it was more about signing guys we thought could really make an impact," Lanning said.

And according to 247 Sports, the method has been extremely effective. The Ducks are currently No. 2 in the class of 2026 recruiting rankings, falling just behind their fellow Big Ten member USC Trojans.

It should also be noted that USC signed 35 players in this class, going with the quantity approach, rather than quality.

Three five-stars have powered that ranking, as EDGE Anthony "Tank" Jones, offensive tackle Immanuel Eheanacho and safety Jett Washington have signed with the Ducks. Oregon also expects 5-star WR Jalen Lott and 5-star Kendre Harrison to sign in the coming hours, as well.

One more blue-chipper would put them over the Trojans. Five-star wide receiver Chris Henry Jr. had been committed to Ohio State but is a flip candidate, potentially due to the recent news of Buckeyes wide receivers coach Brian Hartline taking the USF head coaching job. Henry has not officially signed with Ohio State and said that he's still weighing his options, according to a post on X.

While we won't know just how effective this recruiting cycle has been until the players hit the field and contribute, Lanning and his staff have to feel very good about how their approach is progressing during this 2026 recruiting cycle.

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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Dan Lanning breaks down approach to 2026 recruiting class