In what has become one of the biggest storylines of National Signing Day, the Oregon Ducks secured a monumental commitment when five-star cornerback Na’eem Offord flipped from Ohio State to Oregon. Offord had been committed to the Buckeyes since February of 2024, making his decision to join the Ducks even more impactful.
The recruitment drama reached its peak when Offord, during his National Signing Day announcement, put on an Auburn Tigers hat before dramatically tossing it aside and donning the Oregon hat. His move immediately went viral, capturing the attention of college football fans across the nation. But what led to this dramatic decision?
“I Felt the Most Love at Oregon” – Offord Explains His Decision
In a post-signing day interview with On3, Offord shed light on his decision to flip to Oregon. The five-star cornerback spoke candidly about the connection he felt with the Ducks staff, stating, “I feel like I felt the most love at Oregon. That’s where the love has been at with the whole staff recruiting me from the beginning.”
While the emotional connection with the coaching staff played a significant role, Offord emphasized that his decision was about more than just football. “I like the nature. I like to go fish and do those type of things,” Offord said, highlighting his affinity for the Oregon lifestyle. Offord also noted Oregon’s strong academic offerings, particularly in communications, which played a key part in his decision-making process.
A Promising Future at Oregon
Offord is set to enroll early at Oregon and will take the field for the Ducks in 2025, where he will join a program on the rise under head coach Dan Lanning. As a member of the Ducks’ class of 2025, Offord will be joining a highly ranked recruiting class that includes other five-star talents such as wide receiver Dakorien Moore, cornerback Brandon Finney, and wide receiver Dallas Wilson.
Offord’s early commitment adds to the momentum Lanning has been building since taking the helm at Oregon. This year, the Ducks are riding high with a perfect 13-0 record and a spot in the College Football Playoff as the No. 1 seed. The program is primed for success both this season and in the future, with the No. 3 ranked recruiting class for 2025, according to 247Sports, signaling a bright future ahead.
A Potential Showdown with Ohio State
Offord’s decision to join the Ducks takes on extra significance given the current trajectory of Oregon and Ohio State. The Ducks and Buckeyes may meet again in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals at the Rose Bowl, after Oregon narrowly defeated Ohio State 32-31 earlier in the season. Both teams are poised for a deep playoff run, with Offord offering his take on the potential matchup: “I saw them in the beginning, it’s either going to be them or Ohio State that wins it all. I’ve been saying it all along.”
With the Ducks having secured a bye in the playoff, their next opponent will be the winner of the December 21st game between Tennessee and Ohio State. Whether or not the two teams meet again in the postseason, Offord’s commitment makes it clear that Oregon is focused on building a championship-caliber program that is set to compete for titles now and in the future.
The Ducks’ Recruiting Class: Building for the Future
Offord’s commitment represents a major victory in Oregon’s recruiting efforts, with the Ducks now boasting the No. 3 overall class for 2025 according to 247Sports. Oregon is only trailing Texas and Georgia in the recruiting rankings, a strong testament to Lanning’s ability to attract top talent to Eugene.
As the Ducks prepare for their playoff push and look toward next season, landing a talent like Offord provides another piece in the puzzle for a program that’s positioning itself as a legitimate national championship contender. With a roster full of young, high-level recruits and an undefeated season under their belt, Oregon is poised to be a dominant force in college football for years to come.
Conclusion
Na’eem Offord’s decision to flip to Oregon is not just a big win for the Ducks on National Signing Day—it’s a sign of things to come. With one of the best recruiting classes in the country, a rising football program under Dan Lanning, and a potential national championship run this season, the Oregon Ducks are poised to be a major force in college football for the foreseeable future. Offord’s commitment to Oregon adds another building block to a team already on the verge of greatness.
