Oregon Ducks Battling Ohio State and USC for Top Recruits as Big Ten Recruiting War Reaches New Level of Intensity
As the landscape of college football continues to evolve, the arms race for elite talent has never been more competitive, more relentless, or more regionalized within conference borders. Nowhere is that truer than in the new-look Big Ten, where the Oregon Ducks, Ohio State Buckeyes, and USC Trojans are locked in a fierce battle for supremacy on the recruiting trail. With the Big Ten expanding and the playoff format growing to 12 teams, programs are not only trying to win games—they’re building rosters to dominate an entirely new era. And at the center of this war is a recruiting showdown that could define the conference’s future.
Oregon’s entry into the Big Ten has immediately injected fresh energy and a new layer of competition into the conference’s recruiting dynamics. Long known for their flash, Nike-backed innovation, and West Coast swagger, the Ducks are no longer just the kings of the Pacific Northwest. They are aiming to be the dominant force in Big Ten recruiting, even if that means going toe-to-toe with the traditional heavyweights of the Midwest like Ohio State and the rising juggernaut of the West Coast, USC.
The Ducks have never shied away from boldness, whether in branding, facilities, or scheduling. But head coach Dan Lanning has brought something different to Eugene—an SEC-style toughness combined with a relentless focus on recruiting and development. Since taking over in 2022, Lanning has raised Oregon’s recruiting profile significantly. In the 2024 cycle, Oregon landed multiple five-star prospects and out-recruited several SEC and Big Ten schools in key battles. The 2025 class looks to be no different, with the Ducks squarely in the mix for many of the nation’s most coveted players.
That elevated ambition now runs directly through Big Ten territory. Where Oregon was once seen as a regional power, they are now a national brand with real pull in talent-rich states like California, Texas, and Florida. And they’ve shown no hesitation in entering Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, or even Georgia to grab talent previously assumed to be locked down by the Big Ten or SEC.
The ripple effect is being felt most acutely by traditional recruiting powerhouses like Ohio State. The Buckeyes, long viewed as the gold standard in Big Ten recruiting, are now forced to compete on two fronts: maintaining dominance in their natural Midwest footprint and fending off Western invaders like Oregon and USC. Ohio State still lands elite classes every year, thanks to Ryan Day’s consistency and Ohio State’s unmatched development pipeline, but there’s no denying that Oregon’s rise is pushing the Buckeyes to stay sharper than ever.
Then there’s USC, the Trojans reborn under Lincoln Riley and newly minted members of the Big Ten alongside Oregon. Like the Ducks, USC has major branding power and a prime recruiting location in Southern California. For years, they’ve fought to reclaim their foothold in Los Angeles, and now, with a Big Ten schedule and playoff opportunity on the horizon, they’re pitching something they never could before: elite development with coast-to-coast exposure.
So where does this three-way battle stand now? The answer is: everywhere. Oregon, USC, and Ohio State are all battling each other for top recruits not just in their own regions, but in every part of the country. If there’s a top-100 player with Big Ten interest, odds are that all three programs are involved.
Consider the recent battles for five-star defensive linemen in the 2025 class. Oregon made national headlines when they landed top-10 recruit Elijah Rushing, beating out USC and Ohio State for his commitment. Meanwhile, Ohio State responded by locking in five-star edge rusher Zahir Mathis out of Pennsylvania, fending off late pushes from both West Coast programs. In California, a fierce recruiting war is underway for four-star quarterback Malik Woods, with all three schools considered finalists. The winner of that battle could signal a major shift in recruiting momentum heading into the 2026 cycle.
But the implications go far beyond single commitments. These recruiting battles are shaping the future of the Big Ten itself. With divisions eliminated and the playoff field expanded, the league’s top programs are no longer just trying to win the conference—they’re trying to build superteams capable of navigating a brutal schedule and making a run at a national title.
For Oregon, the path is clear: build an SEC-caliber roster, compete in the physicality of the Big Ten, and continue to be aggressive in every region. The Ducks have emphasized speed on defense, size on the offensive line, and versatility across the board. They are recruiting like a team preparing to go toe-to-toe with Michigan in Ann Arbor and survive a snow game in November.
USC, meanwhile, is focusing on skill position dominance. Under Riley, the Trojans continue to attract elite quarterbacks and wide receivers, but their biggest challenge remains building a front seven capable of handling Big Ten-style football. Recent commitments in the trenches suggest that Riley and his staff are aware of the need to adjust—and they’re targeting the same players Oregon and Ohio State are chasing to do so.
Ohio State, of course, remains the program everyone is chasing. The Buckeyes’ consistency in developing NFL talent, particularly at wide receiver, defensive end, and quarterback, gives them a built-in recruiting advantage. Ryan Day has built relationships across the country and continues to pull elite talent from Florida, Texas, and California. But he also knows the ground is shifting beneath him. Oregon and USC aren’t just threats—they’re Big Ten opponents now. Every recruiting win or loss could be the difference in a playoff appearance or a first-round elimination.
Another key factor in this battle is the NIL era. Oregon’s strong relationship with Nike and Phil Knight gives them a major advantage in branding, exposure, and potential endorsement opportunities. The Ducks have been among the most progressive programs in maximizing NIL potential for their players. USC, situated in the heart of Los Angeles, has leveraged its location and media ties to offer attractive NIL opportunities. Ohio State, while more traditional, has quickly adapted and built one of the strongest collective systems in the country. The battle for recruits is no longer just about facilities and tradition—it’s also about real-world value, business opportunities, and future branding.
Recruits are increasingly savvy about these dynamics. They understand that playing for a contender is critical, but they also care about exposure, development, and financial stability. Oregon’s ability to promise high-level competition in the Big Ten, elite training, national broadcasts, and serious NIL potential has made them far more dangerous than they were just a few years ago.
There’s also a psychological component to these battles. Programs want to win recruiting wars not just for the talent, but for the perception. When Oregon beats Ohio State or USC for a five-star, it sends a message: we belong. When Ohio State reclaims a top player from the West Coast, it reminds the college football world that the Buckeyes remain the standard. And when USC locks down a SoCal product that both rivals pursued, it helps them re-establish control over their home turf.
Each of these programs is trying to do more than build a class—they’re trying to build a legacy. The 2025 and 2026 recruiting cycles are about much more than stars and rankings. They’re about planting flags in new territory, proving national appeal, and preparing for the most competitive era in college football history.
And this war is just getting started. With elite 2026 prospects already receiving visits, offers, and interest from all three schools, the next chapter is unfolding in real time. Coaches are flying coast-to-coast, NIL deals are being structured, and recruits are feeling the pressure and pull of three very different—but equally compelling—visions for their future.
Oregon, Ohio State, and USC are all in the same conference now, but they’re playing very different recruiting games. Oregon is the upstart disruptor, leaning into innovation, speed, and brand. USC is the legacy brand being reborn, aiming to reclaim its throne. Ohio State is the established powerhouse, trying to protect its dominance while adapting to a new world. Together, they represent the new Big Ten—bigger, faster, and more competitive than ever before.
Who wins this recruiting war won’t just define the next few seasons—it will shape the next decade of college football. And if the early battles are any indication, the Oregon Ducks are in it for the long haul, no longer satisfied with second place, no longer outsiders. They’re here, they’re building, and they’re ready to go head-to-head with anyone. Even the best.
