here Oregon Football Stands in the 2026 Rankings Following Anthony Jones’ Commitment
With the announcement of Anthony “Tank” Jones’s commitment on July 31, 2025, Oregon’s 2026 recruiting class received a huge boost. As ESPN’s No. 4 edge rusher and No. 27 overall in the ESPN 300, Jones chose the Ducks over Alabama and Texas A&M .
📈 Recruiting Class Jump: Roughly No. 11 → No. 7 or No. 6
Prior to his pledge, Oregon’s class ranked around No. 11 nationally. With Jones now in the fold, the class surged to:
- No. 7 overall (per 247Sports team rankings)
- No. 6 per Rivals Industry Rankings
Star Power: Four 5‑Star Recruits on Defense
Jones becomes the Ducks’ fourth five-star defender in the 2026 cycle. Other elite commits include:
- Jett Washington, the No. 1 safety in the class
- Immanuel Iheanacho, top offensive tackle
- Additional five-star or top-100 prospects lining out the roster
This defensive haul signals Oregon’s emphasis on building elite positional depth.
Impact on Perception & NFL Pipeline
Jones’s versatility—capable of pressing as both inside and outside edge—adds tactical flexibility to Dan Lanning and coordinator Tosh Lupoi’s NFL-style defense. Analysts on On3 and SI highlight the significance of landing him over perennial powerhouse Alabama, underscoring Oregon’s elevated standing with recruits and scouts .
Conference Context & Outlook
As a first-year Big Ten member, Oregon enters the 2026 season with stronger access to a national spotlight and recruiting exposure. This class aligns them closely with Big Ten rivals like Ohio State and USC, who also rank in the top‑10 nationally .
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