Oregon Lands Five-Star Two-Sport Athlete Kendre Harrison in Major Recruiting Win

The Oregon Ducks have secured one of the most exciting dual-sport recruits of the 2026 class. Five-star tight end Kendre Harrison, a standout athlete from North Carolina, has verbally committed to Oregon, spurning offers from a who’s who of powerhouse programs, including North Carolina, Miami, and Penn State. This commitment marks a significant win for the Ducks as they continue to build a highly touted 2026 class under head coach Dan Lanning.

At 6-foot-7, 243 pounds, Harrison is a physically imposing tight end who’s earned national recognition as the No. 1 player at his position and the No. 9 overall recruit in the 2026 class, according to 247Sports’ composite rankings. His decision to head to Oregon is a major feather in the cap for the Ducks, who are quickly building one of the most formidable recruiting classes in the country.

What makes Harrison’s commitment even more remarkable is his ability to excel in not one but two sports. Along with his football prowess, Harrison is also a standout power forward for the basketball team at Reidsville High School in North Carolina. Rated a four-star prospect in basketball by ESPN, he ranks as the No. 39 player in the class, showcasing his versatility and athleticism. His combination of skills on both the football field and basketball court has earned him comparisons to multi-sport legends, and Oregon fans are eager to see how he develops in both sports under the Ducks’ elite coaching staff.

Oregon’s Growing 2026 Class

Harrison’s commitment bolsters what is already a stellar 2026 class for Oregon. He joins an impressive list of early commitments, including five-star offensive tackle Kodi Greene from California, who is considered one of the top offensive line prospects in the nation. The Ducks have also landed four-star running back Tradarian Ball from Texas, four-star defensive linemen Tohumini Topui (California) and Tony Cumberland (Oregon), as well as four-star quarterback Jonas Williams from Illinois.

The Ducks’ 2026 class continues to grow with top-tier talent at nearly every position, making it clear that Oregon is building something special for the future. With eight commitments already in the fold, including players from both sides of the ball, this class has the potential to be one of the most balanced and high-ceiling groups Oregon has ever assembled.

Oregon’s strategy under Lanning has been to recruit versatile athletes, and Harrison’s dual-sport ability fits that mold perfectly. His athleticism, size, and high football IQ make him a perfect fit for Oregon’s up-tempo offense, where he could immediately make an impact as a pass-catcher, while his basketball background could make him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.

Looking Ahead

For the Oregon Ducks, landing Kendre Harrison is not just a victory in recruiting—it’s a sign that the program is ready to compete at the highest levels, not only on the football field but also in the realm of recruiting and player development. As one of the nation’s premier recruits in both football and basketball, Harrison brings not only physical tools but also the mentality of a winner.

With the 2026 class continuing to take shape, Oregon’s recruiting momentum seems unstoppable. If the Ducks can keep this level of talent coming to Eugene, there’s no telling how far Lanning’s program can go in the coming years. Fans can expect Harrison to be one of the cornerstone pieces of what could be a dominant era for Oregon football—and basketball—in the very near future.