The Oregon Ducks have scored a massive victory on the recruiting trail, securing a commitment from 5-star defensive end Richard Wesley, one of the most coveted prospects in the 2025 class. Wesley chose Oregon over finalists USC, Ohio State, and Texas, announcing his decision with a bold statement: “Oregon felt like home. I want to win big, and I believe we’re building something special in Eugene.”
Wesley, a 6-foot-5, 255-pound pass-rushing phenom out of Houston, Texas, is ranked as the No. 1 edge rusher in the country by multiple recruiting outlets and a top-10 overall player nationally. His explosive first step, power at the point of attack, and ability to disrupt both the run and pass have made him a nightmare for opposing offenses and a priority target for college football’s elite programs.
For Oregon, this is not just a recruiting win—it’s a statement of national intent. Head coach Dan Lanning and his staff have consistently gone toe-to-toe with powerhouse programs since arriving in Eugene, and the commitment of Wesley continues that trend. It also bolsters an already elite 2025 class that now includes multiple 5-star players on both sides of the ball.
“Coach Lanning is a defensive guy, and from day one he showed me how I’d be developed and used in his system,” Wesley said. “It’s not just about hype—it’s about work, culture, and winning. Oregon has all of that.”
Wesley’s recruitment had long been seen as a battle between traditional SEC and Big Ten powers. Texas and Ohio State made strong pushes, and USC was viewed as a serious contender due to proximity and familiarity. But Oregon’s consistent messaging, player development pipeline, and the energy surrounding the program’s move to the Big Ten helped seal the deal.
“People used to say Oregon was flashy,” Wesley added. “But now it’s more than that. It’s toughness, it’s development, it’s competing with the best. I want to be part of that wave.”
His addition immediately elevates Oregon’s defensive recruiting profile. Wesley is projected to be a future first-round NFL Draft pick, and his presence on the edge will give the Ducks a disruptive force capable of dominating for years to come. He joins an already loaded defensive line group and is expected to compete for playing time early in his college career.
For Oregon fans, Wesley’s commitment is another sign that the program is not just aiming to compete for Pac-12 (now Big Ten) titles, but for national championships. The Ducks are building a roster that can stand shoulder to shoulder with the best teams in the country.
With Richard Wesley now officially on board, Oregon continues its transformation into a recruiting superpower—and the rest of college football is taking notice.