Over the past decade or so, the Oregon Ducks have created a fairly dominant recruiting pipeline in California, and the USC Trojans are finally starting to claim it back.
The USC Trojans currently have the No. 1 2026 class, have already flipped one Oregon commit, and are working for more.
Elite QB Jonas Williams flipped to USC just over a month ago, and yesterday, local defensive line prospect Tomuhini Topui decommitted from the Ducks. It has not become official yet, but he was immediately predicted to commit to the Trojans and was even on campus yesterday in USC gear.
Needless to say, Oregon fans have not been handling it well.
Oregon Ducks Fans In Panic Over Recent USC Trojans Recruiting
Message boards never tell the full story of a fan base, but they are certainly a fun indication of what the current vibe is, and the vibe in Eugene is not great. We are still extremely early in the recruiting process, but every year, fans react very strongly regardless.
#Oregon lost a recruit to #USC. pic.twitter.com/CLBQemLUjn
— Message Board Geniuses (@BoardGeniuses) March 26, 2025
One fan writes, “DAN SUCKS” in call caps, referring to head coach Dan Lanning.
Another writes, “1st time ever I’m starting to question Dan and Malchow. USC is bullying them and they aren’t doing anything to stop it.”
Oregon has built a big enough brand, and Dan Lanning is a good enough coach and recruiter that the Ducks will always be relevant. Their NIL program and Nike money will always keep them near the top, as well.
In reality, nothing has changed with Oregon. They aren’t doing anything wrong or different. They haven’t run out of money, and their staff hasn’t all of a sudden forgotten how to retain players. Fans may want to overreact and think this, but there is one simple fact.
Also Read: USC Trojans Predicted To Flip Elite DL After Recent Decommitment From Oregon Ducks
The USC Trojans have woken up and it’s changed everything.
Sanctions and the Clay Helton years gave the Ducks a decade to build an identity in California. Oregon and the Arizona schools lived at LAX and repeatedly poached Cali kids from SC’s backyard.
Well, in a matter of months, with a newfound focus, an elite coaching staff, a fully stocked NIL collective, and the best front office in college sports, USC is taking back what should have never been lost.
GM Chad Bowden has said that he intends to build a wall around the State of Los Angeles and extend that wall all across California. It is early, but that wall appears to be getting built fast.
At the very least, the recruiting rivalry between Oregon and USC just got a whole lot more fun.