The Oregon Ducks football team has recently encountered challenges in securing commitments from top quarterback prospects. Notably, four-star quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele flipped his commitment from Cal to Oregon on National Signing Day in December 2024. Sagapolutele, the top-rated prospect from Hawaii’s James Campbell High School, had previously been committed to Cal since July. His decision to join Oregon was influenced by visits to Oregon, Cal, and Georgia. At Oregon, he was expected to compete with fellow four-star quarterback Akili Smith Jr.
However, Sagapolutele’s tenure with Oregon was brief. He entered the transfer portal, seeking an opportunity to start sooner. This departure marked the second loss of an elite quarterback commit since the Ducks’ loss to Ohio State in the Rose Bowl. The first was Jonas Williams, a four-star quarterback in the 2026 class, who flipped his commitment to USC. Williams cited his admiration for USC’s coaching staff, particularly Lincoln Riley’s history with quarterbacks, as a significant factor in his decision.
In response to these setbacks, Oregon has intensified its recruitment efforts for upcoming quarterback prospects. The Ducks are reportedly leading contenders for five-star quarterback Jared Curtis in the 2026 class. Curtis, hailing from Nashville, Tennessee, decommitted from Georgia in October 2024. He plans to visit Oregon on June 5, with other visits scheduled to Georgia and South Carolina. Curtis has expressed a strong interest in Oregon, highlighting his positive relationship with offensive coordinator Will Stein and the team’s recent performance.
These developments underscore the dynamic nature of college football recruiting. While the Ducks have faced recent challenges in securing quarterback commitments, their proactive approach in pursuing top talent like Curtis demonstrates their commitment to building a competitive team for the future.
