Oregon’s 2025 recruiting class took a major hit on Tuesday, as five-star defensive end Richard Wesley officially announced his decommitment from the Ducks. The news sent ripples through the college football recruiting world and marked a stunning turn in what had been a strong cycle for Dan Lanning and his staff.
Wesley, a 6-foot-5, 250-pound edge rusher out of Houston, Texas, is ranked as one of the top defensive players in the country and was considered a cornerstone of Oregon’s defensive future. His blend of size, speed, and explosiveness off the edge had Ducks fans dreaming of a dominant pass rush for years to come. Now, those dreams are on pause — or possibly headed elsewhere.
“After many conversations with my family and some serious reflection, I’ve decided to decommit from the University of Oregon and reopen my recruitment,” Wesley wrote in a social media post. “I want to thank Coach Lanning, Coach Lupoi, and the entire Oregon staff for believing in me. This wasn’t an easy decision.”
The timing of the decision is particularly surprising. Wesley had been one of the program’s most vocal commits, frequently promoting the Ducks on social media and helping to recruit other prospects to Eugene. His sudden change of heart has already sparked speculation that powerhouse programs such as Georgia, Alabama, and Texas — all of which were in heavy pursuit before his initial commitment — could quickly re-enter the race.
For Oregon, the loss is more than symbolic. Wesley’s